Gifted by Jacquelyn Johnson

Author:Jacquelyn Johnson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Crimson Hill Books
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

eleven

Another concert is about to start. I’m sitting in the front row, so close to the piano that I can just about read the sheet music. That’s where everyone who’s performing sits. Behind us are all the grade 6s and grade 7s. Behind them, in the bleachers, are the parents.

One by one, students come up to play a short piece. Most of them play a Christmas song or carol. Some of these pianists are beginners, playing with just one hand. But others are more advanced. I recognize their pieces as those you play when you’ve been taking piano lessons for three or four years or so. Things I learned to play when I was 5 or 6.

I listen closely, thinking what I’d say if I was their teacher. Imagining what my teachers would say to them about their playing.

Next the stage fills with 30 kids, each one carrying a little steel drum. One of these drummer kids is Morley. They start to play, but I truly don’t know what tune they’re playing. It’s like there are 30 soloists who might be playing the same piece of music. Or maybe not.

Actually, it’s hilarious. I have to clap my hand over my mouth like I’m going to cough to keep from laughing.

But it would be shameful behaviour to laugh. After all, they are trying to play. Something.

Then, big relief, the steel drums quit playing. Not all at the same time.

The steel drum musicians leave the stage, while a choir files onto stage. Jayden is one of the choristers, which is what you call choir members. They all have felt reindeer antlers on their heads. Red ones, which is kind of cute. They sing a funny song about how they asked their parents for all these different cool gifts, but what they got instead is a really ugly sweater. Suddenly, they all run around the stage, pick up bags, pull out – what? Crazy sweaters, it turns out. They all pull on their sweaters.

The audience roars with laughter. The choir sings another verse about why parents shouldn’t be allowed to pick out your Christmas gifts. Not ever. Because they’ll never get it right.

They get lots of noisy applause as they leave the stage.

Then, it’s my turn.

And it’s really a strange thing. I walk up the stairs to the stage, the ukulele in my right hand. And I’m not nervous at all. Not the least little bit.

I glance out at the crowd. Catch Margaret in the audience and smile. Look for Jayden. And Morley. Find them both. Sitting together.

I get comfortable on the stool. Pull the microphone closer. Strum three cords. Yes, still in tune.

And start to sing.

In Korean.

The audience stares. Silent. Not listening, exactly. Just quiet. Some of the kids are whispering to each other. Some of the parents are sneaking a glance at their phones. But some seem to be engaged with the music, or not quite. It’s as if they don’t know what’s happening.

I repeat the song. In French.

Mr. Cadeau is staring at me.

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