Word sketch december version

Brenda Whitten

Mr. Barnes

Honors English III

2 December 2012

I reach up and grab the cool, rigid plastic, tugging gently at the handle as the thick black rectangle disengages itself from the rest of the darkness. The two faded lines carved into the bottom tell of each argument against the worn shelf. The faded silver clips hold together the two pieces of dark velvet that contain years of sweat stained stories—good and bad. The dark fur holds and protects the glisten contained in the shiny metal. Each piece carefully constructed and molded into place. Each crack glittering in the sunlight, fully polished with careful time and dedication. The three valves slide up and down, faster and faster as the notes dance gently into a tune. The finger buttons have faded into a soft golden gleam through their use and constant pressure, a reminder of the time invested in the attempt of enhancing the trills and range of the player. Each musician twisting the slightly bent mouthpiece into place as they brace themselves and breathe in the musty taste of grease and oil, trapped in the maze of slides. Lips press against the cool metal. Cheeks engage; a half smile appears as the lips begin their gentle buzz. The smile increases as the notes dance higher and higher before a quick breath is grabbed, snatched and then given back, back through the confusion that ends in a melody. Faces redden and then begin to sweat as though the trumpet itself is choking its victim. Lips squeeze and tighten as they brace for the high note. They shudder into a forced relaxation to grab the low note, gradually incorporating the jumps and falls. Lips constantly moving, tightening and relaxing but always engaged. Always ready for the next hit. Searching for the right combination of notes and rhythms combined with rests and silence. Finally, a song blows in that makes your heart sing with the emotions forced through the horn, notes jumping from the bell and dancing before they reach the eager ears of the audience. Twirling with the timpani and frolicking with the flutes. Each section twists together into a lovely harmony, the conductor tapping each note into place as they slide and jump as one into the eagerly awaiting ears.