Cello a la Sub

Last year I wanted to sing this piece that required a cellist with the church choir. I could not for the life of me find a cellist willing to play with us. I know the honorarium is small, but wouldn't you think a whole college of students might cough up at least one willing to work as much for the experience as for the cash?

This year I put it on the schedule again. How excited I was when I discovered one of the library staff had a husband who was not only a music teacher but who also played cello! Hurrah! I love the piece (Come Ye Sinners) and plan to put it on my degree concert schedule.

Imagine my disappointment when he was sick - though he kindly found me someone who would sub for him. I barely knew the name of the person who would be substituting and had no way to contact him. Despite being encouraged that the player had perfect pitch and would do an excellent job, I was a bit antsy.

The choir and I worked hard to get everything as ready as possible before he arrived. His timing was perfect. Just as we were ready, he quietly appeared, tall and timid, toting his cello on his back. We set up and began. I realized that he was only 17 and had probably not played with a church choir before. I make my gestures for his entrances bigger, more direct. His timing is good.

He has not had the music for more than a day, and struggles with the key - 6 flats is no walk in the park. He assures me that he will work on it before Sunday and things will be in better shape by then. I trust him. The choir encourages him. The pianist teases more vibrato from his fingers than he knew he had. Yes, it will not be the piece I have dreamed about, but it will be good. We know the importance of helping the younger step into new shoes. The fit is good. It will be fine.