Clarion has a minion!

Crescendo of the Spooky Pipe Organ

The high school marching band was the pride of the school community. Clarion had a dream, a simple one: to be part of the rhythm that brought the town to life during parades and football games.
Clarion's heart beat in sync with the drums, and her fingers itched to create music that could move souls.
But the whispers of self-doubt crept over her every time she picked up the drumsticks. her fears that her skills on percussion instruments weren't as good as everyone else kept holding her back.

"Just sign up for the audition!" Romelio insisted. "You won't get in if you don't try! I'll be right there with you!"

Clarion nerovusly held the pen, signing her name on the audition form.
She practiced day and night, the sounds of her drums echoing through the quiet of Subeta. Romelio at her side, practicing together.

The afternoon before the auditions, she confided in her social worker Karaline who had always been her pillar of strength.
"What if I'm not good enough?" Clarion asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Karaline took her hands, looked into her eyes, and said, "Clarion, the only way you'll know is if you try. And no matter what happens, I know you're amazing." Karaline promised. “Just be true to yourself. You got this kid. I’ll be right there cheering for you.” She smiled softly.

The next day, Clarion stood in line, waiting for her turn to audition. Her palms sweaty as she held her sticks waiting for her turn.
Karalin and Romelio stood to the side, waving and smiling. Silently encouraging her.

When her name was called, Clarion stepped forward. She took a deep breath, starting to beat the drum, the rhythm chasing away her fears. The drumsticks danced in her hands, and the rhythm flowed. She played with a confidence she didn't know she had, and when she finished.. there was not applause, no loud cheering.
Her friends were smiling, thrilled at the performance.

The band director, a stern man with a keen ear for music, approached her. "Clarion, that was great. You're in." he thumbed her towards the group that had gone before her. "NEXT!" he called as Romelio stepped forward.

Clarion's eyes filled with tears of joy. She had done it. She had overcome her fears and proved to herself that her skills were more than just good, she was good enough to get in without contest?
Karalin congratulated her from the sidelines. "Well done." She smiled. "I knew you could do this."
"looks like we're marching together." Romelio grinned as he walked up to her. "Told you you could do it."
"Yeah, so you did." Clarion smiled broadly. "Thank you both."

Credits: Profile & Story by: Thundercracker Background