The Last Day

Chapter Six

Slaughter sat up in his chair. The last time he would play a song with his high school band. The senior song. There were only fifteen seniors that year in band. To his surprise he thought there was more but since there were only fifteen, each one go a solo. There was a sectional in each section somewhere within the song. Yes, the song took eight minutes but Slaughter loved it. He didn’t want the recording to remind him of the hurt of departure but he did want the recording to remind him of how much ‘family’ was actually out there.

Flute solo was first, then came Denise’s. Slaughter played his part but couldn’t help but focus on her. She sounded so beautiful. Next came the alto saxophone followed by the tenor. Carried by the song, Slaughter couldn’t help but feel overjoyed. Finally, it was his turn. His solo was different. He was the one who made the transition between legato and allegro. A tempo change in the middle of his solo was the greatest thing every because somehow the two sections that didn’t have a senior were Baritones (Euphonium) and Trumpet. Because of the missing two, Slaughter took the spots. Euphonium being the slow and pretty eight measure solo, his solo which was moderate, and then the fast and short solo that was supposed to be a trumpet's. He opted to do the French horn solo as well but the senior tuba player wanted to shine as well with a legato and allegro solo.

By the end of the song Slaughter found himself in tears. His junior and freshman peers looked at him in concern. But he assured them with a smile as they listened to the choir and orchestra.

“Graduates, if you will please return to your assigned seats.”

Slaughter let out a sigh and shook hands with his section.

“I’ll always look up to you.” One of the freshman spoke with glitter in his eyes.

Slaughter laughed, “I don’t know if you want to do that.” He said as he thought of his cuts.

The freshman smiled, “Who you are to me is nothing of what you think of yourself. You’re cooler than you think.”

Slaughter shrugged and before he could say anything a junior jumped in to complete the freshman’s thought.

“You haven’t just inspired one of us. You’ve inspired us all. Good luck.”

Slaughter turned away in despair.

“Thanks guys.”

Now for the real test.