We move to our places without Anderson having to direct us. Now I am standing right between Regina and Christie. Good lord, please let this practice go smoothly. I am in no mood to watch him play favorites again today. I hold the music sheet a little too tight and try to learn the words. It is one of last year's songs. The one Diamond High performed when they won.
At Anderson's signal, we begin. The hard line of his forehead relaxes as we go on. I think music might mean as much to him as it does to me. Maybe even more. I watch the way he moves his conductor's wand, completely lost in the sound. Then he closes his left hand into a fist and our voices fade away.
"I want to hear the solo now. Any volunteers?"
A bunch of hands fly up from the soprano section. He ignores every single one and points directly at me. I press a finger to my own chest. "Me?"
"Yes, you. Would you like to try?"
