A Beautiful Instrument

1: My Biggest Competition

My name's Analeigh Taylor. I go by Leigh. I am classically trained in cello and strings performance. I have always dreamed of playing for a world- renowned symphony, but this is an ultra-competitive field.

Tomorrow I have another chance. I am auditioning for a seat with the Cleveland Orchestra and I want it so badly.

I cherish my beautiful instrument. I tutored all throughout college, skrimping and saving to afford it. With the help of some monetary gifts for graduation and my mentor bartering on my behalf, I finally was able to upgrade.

Preparing for an orchestra audition is no small task. Since I learned of the opening three months ago, I have immersed myself in their world. When I'm not practicing, I'm listening to recordings, inspecting sheet music, and trying my hand at some new arrangements.

My roommate, Alexis, thinks I'm overdoing it. "You know that this is the type of thing you don't come back from if you don't get the seat, right? I see it happen to dancers all the time."

Alexis is a choreographer for Inlet Dance Theater. She mainly teaches, but she has also consulted on some big shows that have come through town.

"Then I can't let this opportunity slip through my fingers." I respond confidently.

"But Leigh, I'm seriously worried. I mean, you've all together stopped socializing. How are you supposed to move on from Keith if you're not meeting anyone new?" She asks me pointedly, knowing that she's hitting a sore spot in bringing up Keith, my attractive, yet spoiled ex-boyfriend.

He's wealthy and thinks he can just buy his way through the world. He couldn't understand why I wouldn't just let him outright buy me my cello. When I auditioned in San Francisco, he told me he'd pay me not to go. He offered to bribe someone to leave the orchestra so there would be an opening here in Cleveland.

That was the last offer he had the chance to make because even though I dated him all throughout college, loved him, and expected to one day marry him, he obviously couldn't understand and appreciate my aspirations.

"I'm going out tonight." I counter Alexis's claim.

"You are? Ooo, where are you going? Who are you going with?" She digs in for the scoop.

"I have a romantic night planned at Severance Hall with a lovely person...me." I reveal with a flourish.

"Ugh! You're literally the worst." She sasses me.

"This is literally my last chance to get a sense of the acoustics and stage layouts. If only I could get on stage." I say, mindlessly chewing the inside of my cheek while I contemplate how to make that happen.

"At least wear something fabulous in case you sit next to someone attractive. Please?" She pleads with me. This girl needs to stop worrying about my love life and get one for herself.

"Well, I want to make a good impression in case I get the opportunity to meet anyone...from the orchestra, of course." She rolls her eyes, but amuses me while I try on two dresses.

She is critical of both. "This is the best you have? Nothing cut lower? Ugh...go with the green one. It shows off your curves more and contrasts your skin and hair."

My pale skin and long strawberry- blonde hair have always looked good in green. "Good, I'll wear the other for my audition."

Alexis looks at me skeptically. "No one even sees you in your audition, right? It's blind?"

"Yep! But still there's that whole positive psychology thing about looking good and feeling good as a result." I say with a big smile.

"Ah, well you're going to dazzle them even if they can't see you. Your passion passes through you and into your music. Seriously, you're going to do great." She builds me up. I love her for it, although I know she is also worried.