Let it Ring

Audition

The ride from New Bostin to Wellston was less than pleasant. Not only was the ride long as hell, but Johns stomach was doing flips every five seconds. They had to pull over once when John thought he was going to throw up. His father had said not to worry about the audition too much, but how could he? This was an amazing school with an amazing music program and he had a chance to get in. He was going to worry a bit.

It was currently 5:30, they didn't want to be there too early, but William still wanted John to have time to prepare himself. They took a turn and John gawked. Pressing his nose against the window he stared in awe at the school. How was he supposed to find the music hall in this big ass building? There was no way he would be able to navigate this place without getting lost. John gulped as his father found an empty parking spot. There were a lot of cars here, and with it being the summer, these were likely the people auditioning. 

John tentatively left the car taking a break to steady himself. "John." His father called, rolling down his window. "Breathe, you're going to be okay." John nodded. "I'll be out here, call me when you're done." John nodded against before turning to the school. It was intimidating, like it was staring down on him and telling him he didn't belong here. Nonetheless, he picked up his foot, which felt like he'd been standing in quicksand, and started toward the school.

It actually wasn't the hard to find the music hall, as there were signs about the auditions throughout the school which led him to where he was. When he pushed open the large black doors he felt himself pale. There were so many people, so many instruments. The hall was large but it was jam packed, full of kids just like him who wanted to get into the orchestra. John swallowed the lump in his throat and pushed forward. He was supposed to check in if he remembered.

He found a clipboard, which he assumed was the sign in sheet since people's names were on it. He wrote his name, the time, and his instrument. He stood straight glancing around the room at the others. There was a bassoonist over in the corner, an oboist sitting on a desk, a violinist standing in the middle of the hall. They made eye contact, John nodded, a silent wish of good luck toward the purple haired girl. She only looked away from him and continued to play. He couldn't hear her from here, the room was too loud, but if she's was here then she had to be good.

'Okay, breathe. Just breathe.'

John inhaled and pushed through the crowd in search of a piano. They did say there would be a piano prepared for him. Did that mean he was the only pianist? Surely there would be others needing to play the piano. John frowned before pushing open a door. It was dark in there, save for one spotlight which shone down on a clean black piano. John laughed giddily before skipping over to the instrument.

He ran his hand across the keys with a bright smile before sitting down. He assumed this is where he was meant to be. Hesitantly he rested his fingers over the keys before simply playing a g. 

Perfectly in tune.

John let out a relieved breath before playing one of his favourite pieces. It was too complicated, but it was one he could probably use for his audition. Rachmaninov - Prelude in G minor. He had learned to play the piece a while ago, and it had felt amazing the first time he could play up to tempo. His fingers moved quickly, transitioning to from chord to chord. He let his eyes close, his fingers seeming to know where to go on their own. The song changed octaves frequently which is one of the reasons John liked the song. Although, he loved playing high notes on the piano. He wasn't the best at playing with both hands, however, this song was good practice. 

His fingers transitioned through the last chord and he stopped. He was breathing heavily, it had been a while since he played that piece and he usually got really into the piece. He took a breathe before he heard clapping. His head whipped toward the door to see no other than Vaughn. John swallowed before he quickly stood. "I-uh. I was just practicing, um, I can audition now if you-"

"There's no need."

John's heart stopped when Vaughn raised his hand. "I've heard what I need to hear. Thank you John." And with that, Vaughn left the room. John stood there, eyes wide and mouth agape. Number, he left the room and walked back down the hall. He was like a zombie, people just moved out of his way it seemed. He pushed through the black doors once more and within seconds was outside.

"John, that was quick." His dad said as he walked to the car. John merely shook his head as he sat in his seat. "Hey, it's okay." Johns eyes lifted to meet his dads and the sheer heartbreak could be seen in his eyes. "Oh John..." He muttered and pulled his son into a hug. John whimpered before he felt tears begin to slide down his face.