It was the beginning of spring of Vinyl's senior year. Tavi was back in trotingham spending spring break with her parents as were most all of the students. Vinyl roamed the empty halls that had become her home in the past seven years. Opening a door she found herself in one of the music rooms used to practice and compose.
Walking over to the racks of instruments she levitated down a saxophone and a music holder. Taking a seat on one of the many cushions Vinyl placed some unfinished music sheets. Most of the song was planned out already however one instrument had yet to be added. Vinyl levitated the sax to her lips and began to play.
Fragments of music came out and she jotted down the ideas as the came on a piece of note paper. She would choose what she like best later but now she was brainstorming. After a while she stopped taking notes and started playing a jazzy sounding song.
“L is for the way you look at me. O is for the only one I see. V is very very, extraordinary, E is even more then anyone that you adore can love.” The voice was a gentle tenner that Vinyl knew well. She kept playing the song as Mr.Serenade entered the room, he was the same kind hearted stallion who had offered her the scholarship and so happened to be the head of the music program.
“All that I can give to you. Love is more than just a game for two. Two in love can make it take my heart and please don't break it, love is made for me and you.” Vinyl finished with a flare and put down the sax.
“That is a good song Miss Scratch, though personally I think you can do better.” Vinyl smiled at her friend.
“I think it's impossible for one piece of music to be better then another. Each one is unique therefore it can only be different not better or worse. It all depends on personal opinion.”
Mr.Serenade smiled and leaned over to look at Vinyl's sheet music. “Well then it's my opinion that you still got it.”
Vinyl smirked. “What exactly pray tell is 'it'?”
The stallion gave a simple smile. “Passion. That is what sets you apart from most musicians out there. You have a rare ability to pour your soul into your music, making every song into a story carefully and lovingly crafted in your hooves.” He straightened up. “There is a difference between a person who plays music and a musician. Passion is the driving quality and with it comes persistence and ability.”
He looked Vinyl in the eyes. “Each one is different and so can only be different not better or worse.” He said grinning. “However I believe you have what it takes to be the one that shines.”
He strode to the door stopping just outside. “There is a student showcase coming up next month. I would love to see you preform Miss. Scratch.” Sending one last smile back her way Mr.Serenade left Vinyl to think over his words.
The auditorium was packed with ponies both from the school and from elsewhere, the sheer sound was enough to turn the more nervous performers into anxious wrecks. Vinyl killed time by moving her synthesizer table around and checking her presets. She had spent the past month working out the kinks in her song until she was sure it was perfect.
This was going to be the first time she had ever played a song that she wrote herself. She had preformed in front of large groups before but had always played someone else's work or remixed another song. For a brief moment Vinyl wished she had someone out in that crowd for her.
“Next up Miss Vinyl Scratch”
Taking a deep breath she stepped out onto the stage, her synth table tailing behind her. Putting it center stage she took her place behind it. Alright Vinyl. Time to let it loose. With out another thought she flipped the on switch and began to play.
(Clickity here if you want to hear the song)
When she finished she opened her eyes, which she had apparently closed some time during her performance. The audience was silent, she wasn't sure whether that was a good or bad thing.
Vinyl smirked. “Well whadyall think?”
Slowly the sound of hooves hitting the ground began to appeared, until the entire auditorium was filled with the cacophony of applause. Vinyl felt ecstatic, she knew this wasn't quite like what is would be like when she was on the stage as her own musician but it was pretty darn close.
Vinyl laughed “Well alright then”
It was after the show and Vinyl and Octavia were squeeing like fillies at the success both of them had achieved. A tan and blue pegusus mare approached the two.
“Hello. I was wondering if I could talk to Vinyl Scratch for a second.”
The mare in question turned. “Uh sure, what can I do ya for?”
“I'm with Shooting Star Records a relatively new label owned by Mr. Fancy Pants.” Vinyl coughed to disguise her snicker. The mare handed her a business card. “Please, consider us when you graduate. We could use some one with your talents.”