The Power of Chutzpah

I'm 15 or so and I've been playing piano for just a year. I "practice" all the time. She is cute, she sings, she needs an accompanist for the church strawberry social. I step up. Though I'm way over my head, I'm keen to impress.

We practice together. Somehow, I survive. However, I am about to learn the difference between the practice room and the stage or the difference between basic training and combat.

Picture this: 
It's a beautiful day, the church hauls a small piano outside on the grass. The back of the piano faces the singer and the audience. We make our entrance. I sit down and my right leg starts to bounce uncontrollably against the underside of the piano. People are looking around for the source of the noise. I remain deadpan behind the piano. She keeps singing. 

It mercifully ends.

Lessons?

1. "Superbia et ante ruinam" Pride goes before the fall. But the show must go on.
2. Never underestimate the power of shameless audacity in a show business career.
3. The magic of the performing arts is the illusion that it is easy.

David
Revised June 2023