Final Performance

Months of preparation led up to the final performance for the band. They performed in front of the entire school, impressing with their music. After the band's performance, a few students sang a chorus. The last song was challenging but they played it well. It was a bittersweet moment as they realized they may not see each other again after graduation. The performance felt like a final shower, bringing both growth and sadness. Final performance. Months had led up to this. Bright early mornings, dark late nights, all for this one moment. The final performance. I had been preparing all day as this was a very important presentation for the whole school. Two weeks before, we, the band, had been informed that we would be performing in front of the entire school. This news had come shortly before we were going to play for our families, and prior to some of the band doing a music workshop, the day came. It was time for the show. Everything flowed around me, effortlessly coming together to form strings of sound. Nothing felt out of place. It all seemed like a puzzle, notes flurried and floated, practically flying, almost going in through one ear and out the other. Even with all the distractions around, I had to focus for my own part. My eyes fluttered across pages, to find what I had to play. My eyes were peeled for the conductor's cues. Soon, the song was over, and light applause came. As we got ready, I was mentally preparing for what was next. Me and a few others were about to sing in front of everyone. Nerves built up, almost overflowing. I got out of my seat and stood up with the others who were about to start our chorus. Cozy air rushed past me as I traveled across the stage behind the curtains. Are you ready for this? came a voice behind me as I was getting a few things before we started our carol. I nodded. Well, I sure hope I am. He's been doing this for long enough. My feet were sludge, heavy as ever, as I pushed them to the middle of the stage. This was what so many Fridays in the auditorium had led to. We sang our hearts out. It ended quickly like how it had started, and we were on our last song. It was the hardest piece we had to play, one way above our level. We brought our instruments up and started. The piece was troubling, full of twists and turns, booming and soft. It was introduced to us later on in the year, once we had been told we were ready. Everything had come to a close shortly after. It was over. A very saddening thought. We likely wouldn't see everyone again, as we were littered around the city and would probably go to different high schools. We would only get a few days together before we graduated and went off to our next destination. It felt like rain was pouring. While it helped spread and grow new seeds, it also caused some to wilt away, as if it was their last shower, their final performance.