Perfect Pitch

 

 The students in Mrs. Harper’s class that had perfect pitch were always placed in the front row, unless, of course, they were too tall.  The ones who could actually sing seemed to automatically stand out.  They were good, they had confidence and stood tall.

I had what was known as perfect catch.  All Mrs. Harper had to do was give me that look, and I knew.  I could easily pick up on the slightest facial expression.  I would instantly know if I was to sing softer, or stop singing all together, you know, just move my lips.

You see, even the music department came under the No Child Left Behind mandate.  She couldn’t flunk me or boot me out.  All she could do was to toss me the look, and I would catch it.  I had a mute button and she had found it.

It was this unspoken communication between Mrs. Harper and myself that unfortunately led to me being on the chartered bus heading to Washington.  Our entire class had been selected to represent all other schools in the region.   I had no idea what to expect and didn’t really panic until word came down that Mrs. Harper had gotten the flu and wouldn’t be coming on the trip.

What happened on the evening of our performance has become a legend.  The story has traveled throughout the entire school system and ultimately passed through various school districts.  Many find the story hard to believe and most believe it to be some elaborate fabrication.   I am here to tell you that everything you are about to hear, in fact actually happened.