Make It Count

Make it Count We’re all lined up in a dim hallway, the sound of applause coming from the stage door. I feel the butterflies rushing through my stomach, taking over my whole body. What if I mess up? What if something goes wrong? I quickly get rid of those thoughts. Make it count, Ava, I thought to myself. I grab my violin and begin taking deep breaths to try and stay calm. The applause fills the air once again as our orchestra takes our seats on the stage. Deep breaths. Don’t over think it. Everything is going to be ok. I stand back stage with my conductor, looking out at the orchestra, and the crowd. One empty chair remains in the front stand of the first violins. Mine. I hear my name introduced by the director “And now, please help me welcome our concert master.” She’s saying. I walk out onto the stage, feeling so many emotions in such a short amount of time. The orchestra is tapping their feet, and suddenly all the butterflies fly away. I take a bow, and the joy overflows out of me. I can’t help but smile. I arrange my music on the stand, and my stand partner, Simone, smiles at me. Everyone gets ready to play, and the rest goes by like a breeze. As I’m playing, I’m also listening to the beautiful music we’re making. All of our harmonies are blending together. A rare moment I can proudly say I have experienced.