It is February 12th, 1994. The day is bright and cheerful awaiting me but an unlawful feeling awaits me. I am to compete in a Kiwanis festival for the violin. I have been dreading this moment for a long time. For the last 2 months my entire array of time has been extinguished on practicing "Allegro" the song which I am to play. I now stand in my room, a small but cosy room. As I play the violin I play the music at a steady pace. My eyes are closed so I will be forced to play it by memory alone. I am good, the music flows smoothly, each note is precise and loud. The dynamics are equally good. I begin to play faster and faster, the music is flowing from my violin's f-holes, the resin is floating in the air like white great clouds on a clear summer's day. Suddenly I notice that the hardest part is coming up. It is the hardest slur, 12 notes, all triplets that are played faster than you can say "stop". Little beads of sweat roll down my forehead like rain drops on a leaf. The most difficult part of the song is here. I play the first triplet, second third. I am now concentrating very hard. The song is moving very fast. The triplets are being played perfectly. Finally the 12th one is finished. Now I have to play the finishing section of the song. A long series of cascading notes finishes the piece. I fall back onto my bed tired from the piece, but also amazed that I had played it so well. I must now go, and compete with 10 others for the medal.

The ride to "Togo Salmon Hall" the building which I must play in, is long. I am nervous and excited at the same time. I have the shakes but when my Dad asks I reply that I am cold. I wonder how I will do. Will I succeed in receiving an award. Or will I fail miserably. It is anyone's guess on how I will fair. I awaken from my thoughts to realize that we are driving through the parking lot. Now I feel as if I am at my darkest enemy's lair. I grow fearful. Or is it just nervousness. I can no longer tell for they have long since been merged in my thoughts. I am scared. My time is near, and I must play soon.

As I walk into "TSH", I realize that the air is different. It has an odd smell to it, a stuffy smell like mildewy underground prison. I am getting closer now to the room in which I must play, my mind is concentrated on what is about to happen. My legs carry me on through the long desolate hallways to my destination. As I arrive I hear a solo being played which means that I must wait outside until it is completed.

As the doors open, I feel a gust of air against my skin which reminds me of the air leaving the lungs as a person dies. The last gasp of air. I proceed to where I recognize some of my competitors. I set down my case and take out my violin and resin my bow. I begin to look for seat as quietly as possible since the next solo has begun for the class before me. I take a seat just behind one of the judges. I begin to finger my solo on the violin at my side. My time is almost up.

The room is silent. The judges are making their final decision on who will prevail in the current competition. I am now sitting in my assigned chair. I am fourth up. I have my violin at my side and my eyes are paralyzed. They are in a constant stare at the wall. The room is incredibly silent. All that can be heard is the quite sound of the judges pencil scratching and the odd cough from the audience. The silence reminds me of a funeral holding a moment of silence for the deceased. Suddenly the judge speaks out. He awards the players and complements the others. He then introduces himself to us and states how the competition will occur. He then goes back to his seat and sits down. The first player stands up on the stage and begin playing. I observe how skilled they are and wonder if I can do better. After a few minutes of contemplation I come to the conclusion that they are good but I am better. All I have to do is play better than at least 6 others so I am guaranteed to survive this ordeal. Only 3 of the 10 will walk away "alive" and happy.

I am now waiting for the judge to call my name. I am next on the list of the Grim Reaper. I only have a couple of minutes left. I again realize that I am now extremely nervous. I have a minor case of the shakes. I also begin to sweat. Suddenly my name is called. I walk up onto the stage and face the audience. I state the name of my song and then its composer. I assume position like a soldier in a firing squad waiting to be shot. I hold up my violin and begin to play. The sounds begin to come out loud and strong. I begin to play faster and clearer. I notice a small mistake but I don't flinch hoping that the judge doesn't notice it. The triplets are coming. I mentally brace myself and proceed to play the hardest part of the song. I play it perfectly and then I end the song with the cascading set of notes while getting louder. I realize now that I have played the song better then I ever have. I take my bow and the leave the stage.

As I wait for the other competitors to play I try to comose myself and recover from the long wait before hand. I am happy that I have done so well. I wonder if I will survive this encounter with the judge or more likely the devil. Finally after everyone has finished I await the conclusion.

As I am walking away from the building I smile because I have received second place. I have survived through the seemingly impossible competition. I am a survivor both alive and happy.