I had my first Jazz Concert at school the other day. I was so unbelievably nervous but then Mike Sweeney strolled in. He told me to relax and laughed at how nervous I was. I sat backstage with him and followed everything the band was doing, moving my hands like I was the conductor. When I walked onto the stage the lights blinded me and did not recognize anybody in the crowd. I repeated to myself "it's all about the rhythm Rachel, you got this." As soon as Mr. Miller nodded we started playing and my fingers took on a life of their own; and for the first time, in a long time, nothing else mattered, except for that moment.
I think the highlight of it all was when Chris Coyne saw me the next day and told me that I did amazing. To receive a compliment from someone who has accomplished so much musically, was just ... moving.
