Student of the Year

The term had finally played it's last days out marking the arrival of summer break, with the exception of the last major event, other than finals, the stringed orchestra's biannual concert. The concert consisted of several pieces that the orchestra had been studying throughout the term.

On the night of the concert, all string performance majors gathered in the auditorium dressed in traditional black and white attire. This was the first time I had exposed my personal cello to my fellow classmates. One particular student, also studying cello performance, was extremely impressed probing me on the investment I must of made in an instrument of such quality. I then proceeded to explained that I had acquired it from my elementary school's church, as if it was possible to impress her even further.

The performance went smoothly, though I was a bit uneasy knowing that my family was positioned in the audience. This was the first time performing, cello with an ensemble, in front of them. 

At the end of the performance the director of strings, Ms, Richardson, signaled the orchestral ensemble to stand, she then turned from her conducting position to face the crowd and bowed. After taking several simultaneous bows, Ms. Richardson announced that she would be presenting the student of the year award. Because this was my first year attending The Cleveland School of the Arts I was not familiar with such a tradition. She then began a speech listing the particular students achievements. Wondering how long the presentation of the award would extend the evening, I slipped into a daze allowing her voice to fade into the background. Though the specific sequence of three particular words quickly snapped my attention back into focus. If I wasn't mistaken, Ms. Richardson had referenced California Summer Music. The audience began to clap and Ms. Richardson turned to me smiling, with one hand extended, inviting me to the center of the stage and the student of the year trophy cradled in the other. I stumbled out of my chair in disbelief walking to the center of the stage, shaking Ms. Richardson's hand, as she presented me with the award. I turned towards the audience, feeling unsteady from their gaping eyes which were all now positioned on me, expressed my honor and gratitude, and bowed.