Backstage

Prologue: Backstage

"You guys ready?" a brown haired boy with tanned skin asked as he looked out on the stage, where two chairs and a piano were waiting for them.

"I'm just glad we memorized all the pieces we planned to play, so there's no awkward pause at the end of every movement while we shuffle music around." a red haired girl smiled before resuming tuning a well loved violin.

"Yeah, having two music stands gathered around the piano just looks awkward, Misty." a black haired boy agreed as he held a silver flute close.

"Not to mention looks like a school recital--according to Brock." Misty added.

"Okay, you two--just to recap our program tonight--we're opening with the Melani 'Spring Rondo', and then calm down the playfulness with the Lacroix..." Brock began. "Since Misty begged to have something by a girl composer somewhere on the program."

"It's irked me that not very many female composers exist." Misty explained.

"Next, we'll do the Fried Trio--which I know Ash likes." Brock went on. "Followed by the Lamenza to kinda slow things down."

"I like the Fried--really fun flute line." Ash smiled.

"We'll wind up the first half with 'Song for a Sunny Day' before we take a break." Brock continued.

"Probably a good idea after the Lamenza." Ash agreed. "End the first half on a hopeful note."

"To kick off the second half, 'Dreams of a River'--which is Ash's feature." Brock smiled at Ash. "So give that solo all you've got."

"Not a problem." Ash replied. "Solo's pretty easy if you know what you're doing."

"At least you get the fun part while I'm busy plunking in the background." Misty grumbled--the violin line in the piece in question was repetitive and boring to her.

"Piano doesn't get much to do either--same old waltz rhythm for five minutes." Brock agreed. "But on the bright side, we all get something to do in our marathon number, 'Royal Memories'. Then I get my feature during the quick 'Helter Skelter'"

"I HATE those long runs in my part..." Ash sighed. "Took me forever to get those right."

"Then we get to one last waltz before we wind everything up with our rendition of 'The Entertainer'" Brock concluded. "So, shall we?"

"Let's do this!" Ash smiled as Brock led the way onstage to meet the applauding audience...