"Does that mean we have to have white hair, too, Miss P.?" someone asked, smothering a laugh.

Ann Peitzman smiled and shook her head. "Nope. Your hair is fine…besides, I don't think your mom would want you to dye it. Now, one last notice--we'll be playing last, as we are the most advanced in this concert. Miss Swisher's Beginner orchestras will play, and then perhaps there will be one or two solos and/or ensembles, but then we will play--Apache and Minuet--and let's make it a Grand Finale, too!

"So, I'll see you this afternoon, kids--okay?" Ann asked as she picked up her violin case and started towards the door. "Just take the stands out to Miss Swisher, Chris--" she added, and then was gone.

The lights in the auditorium were dim after the bright afternoon sunlight outside. I tried to adjust my eyes to the dimness, but my vision was peppered with black polka dots for a few minutes before I saw Miss P. and the rest of the orchestra sitting in the right wing. I said goodbye to my parents and hurried down to join them, talking excitedly with Laurel and Mallory as we set up our cases. Finally Mrs. Kitchen walked up the few steps to the stage and clapped her hands for attention, at which signal we all quieted down.

"Good afternoon, everyone," Mrs. Kitchen said loudly. "I would like to welcome you to the Duke University String School concert. Today we will be hearing from Beginner orchestras I, II, and III, as well as from Anna Jaffe and Elijah Campbell and, finally, the Intermediate I orchestra ensemble. Now, will the following people please come up as I call their names:

"Miss Stephanie Swisher--Stephanie is the conductor of the Beginners I, II, and III, as well as assistant director of the String School and a private teacher.

"Mrs. Barbara Stone--Mrs. Stone is one of the many mothers who have helped contribute their time to make this concert and the treats before it possible.

"Mr. Michael Chan--we would like to thank Michael the wonderful newsletter with which he plays a major role.

"Last but not least, Miss Ann Peitzman--Miss Peitzman is the conductor of the Intermediate I orchestra, and therefore a major contributor to this afternoon's program. And now, if we could give these people a round of applause…"

I turned in my seat to look at all the people as the applause thundered up to the stage seeming like a herd of wild horses. After what felt like years Miss Stephanie, Mrs. Stone, Michael, and Miss P. left the stage and Mrs. Kitchen continued with her speech.

"We would also like to thank the A.J. Fletcher foundation for it's constant support, and the many other parents who have contributed time, food, and effort to make this program a success. And now--the Beginner I orchestra, conducted by Stephanie Swisher."

Mrs. Kitchen bowed slightly, and then walked off the stage. Miss Stephanie trooped down the aisle with five or six small children in tow--all dressed in their best clothes and holding their instruments with great care.

Miss Stephanie led her orchestra through "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" and "Jumping Fingers" before they bowed, left the stage, and the next small group came up.

I watched the little kids playing in an almost-stupor, hoping that our turn was coming soon, until I saw Anna Jaffe and Elijah Campbell, two kids from another orchestra, go onstage. From the moment their bows touched strings I was entranced; the piece was in a minor key and possessed an ethereal quality which took my breath away. They played for nearly five minutes, though it seemed like only one; I was greatly disappointed when they bowed and left the stage, though the disappointment did not last long; an excited whisper fluttered through the Intermediate I orchestra--it was time to go on!

We marched up the five or so steps to the stage, every one of us bursting with unconcealed excitement. The first violins were the first in line. Next came the violas, the cello, and the bass. After them came the second violins, everyone trying their best not to break out in whispered conversation. Last of all Miss P. came up, baton in hand. When we were all settled, placed her music on the stand and motioned for us to rise and bow.

Miss P. gave us one silent measure, and we started…

The last note of Minuet in C rolled over the auditorium, and again we stood and bowed. The applause seemed to go on forever and ever…I was lost in the bursting jubilance I felt--we had done it! I looked over at Mallory where she sat, and she beamed back, happily; we were all happy. When the applause finally ended we left the stage; second violins, violas, cello, and bass, and finally the first violins. When we were safely back in our seats Mrs. Kitchen appeared once more on the stage.

"Thank you all for coming this afternoon," she said, smiling. Everyone was smiling today! "We hope that you enjoyed our program. You have very talented children who have worked hard these past two months to make this concert a success. Now if we could have one last round of applause for all of today's performers!"

Everyone, including the "performers", clapped as hard as they possibly could. After we had finished, Mrs. Kitchen dismissed us--"Have a very nice day!"--and we packed up our instruments. I felt like I wanted to dance--and would have, if Mrs. Kitchen had not so strictly forbade our "messing around" on the floor, which was newly waxed and very slippery. So I ran up to Mallory instead.

"How did you think it went?" she asked, trying to sound casual but having a hard time hiding the excitement in her voice.

"Good!" I replied, not bothering to smother my feelings.

"I thought so too," Laurel said, coming up behind her sister. "Especially Apache--I really thought that one turned out good." There was a moment's silence, remembering how we had had to cut Minuet short because of its difficulty.

Sister Hales waved to me from across the auditorium, and Mallory and Laurel excused themselves and ran to join the family. I searched for my own parents, and saw them deep in conversation with Miss Stephanie. "'Bye, Miss P.," I called, hoping she had heard, and went over to where my parents stood.

The remainder of the day was dream-like--the only thought in my mind being My first concert was a success!