The Confession

That Sunday morning, following the Composition Seminar Premier Concert, there was a small casual gathering for all students and faculty members participating in California Summer Music. It was a catered event, with fresh fruits and pastries, organized to allow all members of California Summer Music to say their last goodbyes. 

I decided to make an early appearance, as I knew there was much to done before my very early departure that Monday morning. I immediately noticed Mr. Lewis standing off to the side of the fruit and pastry table. Catching eyes with him, he signaled, with is free hand, the other holding a cup of coffee, me to come his way. Eager to see him, since he was the primary person I was looking to say goodbye to, I made my way towards him. 

With his free hand, Mr. Lewis shook mine, congratulating me on the premier of my Duo for PIano and Violin. He then went on to say that the votes were in and that it had been decided that my Duo for PIano and Violin was the favorite of the evening. I was shocked. First because of the history between Mr. Lewis and myself, that he would even admit to such a detail. Secondly because I was convinced that my piece had been the laughing stalk of the Premier Concert. With my short, simple writing approach, versus the other compositions students extravagant approach, and my program brief being written through the perspective of Mr. Lewis, versus the other composition students briefs written through their own perspective, it seems fitting why I came to such a conclusion. Though what Mr. Lewis said next made the detail shared just moments before seem minuscule. He leaned in towards me and said, I must confess, even in light of our rough start, and the significance that you were probably one of my most trying students, I can now say with confidence that you were my favorite student. and that I will miss you. He then added, I will see you name in lights one day. I was not really sure what he had meant by, name in lights, at the time, however, I now fully understand what he had been trying to relay to me. Touched by his confession, I told him that I would miss him as well.  Promising him, that I would utilize all that he had taught me. With one last handshake and a quick backwards glance, at him, as I left the building, Mr. Lewis, just like that, became a timeless memory.