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asked immediately, to break the silence.

We all answered at once, and that lightened the

heavy air with some laughter.

Howard then started a long story about his trip,

speaking as if he was doing a scene on the stage, his

hands moving like two birds circling each other. A moment later. Edmond Senetsky entered with

Madame Senetsky on his arm and everyone rose. She

took her seat at the head of the table. Edmond sat at

the far end, and our first formal dinner at the Senetsky

School began.

We learned that Alfred Littleton, our vocal

teacher, was a former light opera star, and the

instrumental teacher. Leonard Bergman, was an

internationally famous conductor. The more we

learned about each and every one of them and their

accomplishments, the more nervous and insecure I

felt. Surely, they would take one good look at me and

see what an imposter I was. How could a farm girl

from Ohio be considered someone so talented she

could compete for a place in the world's greatest

orchestras?

Mr. Masters would find my speaking ability

and speech patterns so flawed, he would throw up his

hands in frustration. I knew I didn't have the kind of

grace or muscle coordination to please a professional

dance instructor, and I couldn't carry a vocal note. There would be no point to any singing instructions for me. Once all this was learned. I was sure I, would be called to Madame Senetsky's office, where she would quickly inform me a great error had been made and there was someone far more qualified waiting in

the wings. I would almost be relieved. I thought, I was so frightened. I competed with Ice for the

position of the most silent person at dinner. I could

see how Mr. Masters was keenly listening to

everyone's speech patterns. It made me very selfconscious. As I expected. Howard Rockwell led us