An aspiring musician attempts to join the Canterlot Royal symphony Only thing is he's a complete underdog. after his initial audition He's accepted but how long will he stay?
Clarinet cloud attempts to join the Canterlot Royal symphony and is accepted to be in the same league as Octavia and many others who play instruments. this has been his long time dream however will that dream last?
Three judge ponies sit in the center of an empty auditorium, ready to hear the pieces that others, before, had attempted to get into the Royal Canterlot Symphony. The stage was set and it was only those three listeners were intently listening and making critiques on Octavia’s piece.
I have tried and tried many times before to get into the Royal Choir, however, with my changing voice when I was a younger colt, singing left me in the dust, one of my lost causes. I have also tried to become a DJ but I just can’t keep up a rhyme to save my life. In hind sight or just having time to prepare I’d be a good DJ but that’s just not how things work another one of my lost causes.
Enough on those though, tonight’s not going to be a third or fourth lost cause, I’m not going to fail this audition into the Canterlot Royal Symphony. I’ve tried and gotten rejected at choir before, perhaps, I just need an instrument for my voice.
I’m thankful that somepony besides me actually owns this rare instrument; I hear that it comes from human mythology and I actually pilfered the one I own from an ancient dig sight.
I actually fooled a couple ponies into believing that it mystically disappeared. The other half believed that somepony, namely me, stole it and they were right on that accusation. A private Investigator by the name of Thunder Vanguard actually got on my tail for that; let’s just say there wasn't enough evidence that I stole it so, he let me keep my, now, prized possession. The silence in the auditorium alerted me to the inevitable…My turn.
Though my thoughts were racing about how I got here. I heard Octavia’s show stopper which had actually gotten the judges to clap for her. She was there to reapply because her contract expired. She’s quite literally the best at what she does.
She passed by, somewhat taunting me, but, in a good mannered way “How was that Rookie?”
I, on the other hoof, was letting my expressions show my disbelief. If this was how good the top ponies were I’d have no chance at actually getting accepted. Why didn’t I notice what an underdog I was at this event; and why was this affecting me now? She’s preformed at multiple Grand Galloping Galas and even a couple weddings, ugh, why?
A voice from beyond the stage called “Next!” I pass the back stage’s red curtain and am aloud now to see the huge but empty auditorium. I froze the spotlight on me. no going back, no going forward; just the now. I take a couple of breathers to boost my self-confidence and I slowly levitate my Clarinet to my mouth and I begin to blow.
The piece I’d prepared that night, to apply for the Royal Symphony, was a jazzy piece knowing that saxophones usually carried that title. I assumed that a clarinet could do just as well. I also know that saxophones are usually carried by gryphons and their talons but for a clarinet it needs just a magic touch to it. It’s supposed to be handled by a five fingered human, and, well, I use my magic to stop the air from going through the 'finger holes and also to press down the buttons. I breathe from going through the open holes of this thing and that’s how I’m able to play it.
A minute or so of my rhythmical piece passed, and I am done. The judges continue their ramblings for about a minute then the first one done then says, “Thank you for preforming. You’ll get your results via the mail in about a week or so.”
The feeling of being stuck passed, I was no longer nervous, but now I understand how Pinkie pie must’ve felt waiting for a letter from Rainbow dash. I pack up my clarinet into my saddlebag back stage and soon, I head to the cheapest diner in Canterlot. I didn’t have enough for the train ride back to Ponyville and the most elegant dinner ever, so I had to stick to second rate dining which I’m totally fine doing.
-----
Now that I’m back at home I still hope that I’m accepted. Heck, if not, at least I didn’t replace Octavia at what she does best. All the same, I’d think with such a rare instrument, I’d be at least considered for the band. I sigh then head for my kitchen.
Not much adorns this home; with the feud between my mom and aunt about my grandma’s will there’s a lot of scars that can come from just a past picture of any one of them. The pictures I do have out on display are actually of my eldest sister brother in law and three nephews.
My eldest nephew is a unicorn. He's suffering from a very rare disease called magic degeneration. Basically, it was the reason Tierik was such a threat to Equestria. True he took magic but the same principle applies here; My nephew’s horn is slowly receding into his head and not much is known past that. It’s speculated that after the horn completely recedes that the pony then becomes either an earth pony or a Pegasus because of the magic aura and that the process would be very painful either way. He's miraculously soldered through that and his horn is nearly fully receded. Now his mind must make up weather he should be an earth pony or pegasus.
Most of my family are pegasai; When I was born I was the only unicorn in the bunch. My parents made a quick move to the Crystal Empire to house me and my sisters. Because My parents weren't magically inclined, I had to learn basic levitation elsewhere making me more less an abnormal unicorn relying heavily on my physical being rather than the magical.
My stomach was growling and it was now lunch time. I check my fridge and find nothing but my favorite meal, Spaghetti. Making a quick snack of left over spaghetti I then decide to check the mail.
Heading out I find that the mail mare was actually on time today.
"Hey, Ditzy," I call out to her.
“Ah, hi Cloud," she replies.
"Did it come yet? I ask hoping for the expected 'no'.
"Yes It did, all the way from Canterlot."
I was excited and nervous- nervousited as pinkie puts it- hoping to be accepted, yet at the same time hoping not to be bound by some royal contract. "Thank you." I said to her as she flew off to deliver other mail.
I was now left with a scroll, A scroll with the Royal seal being the thing binding the contents from anypony else seeing it. Opening it up without my magic, I see what was formally written with a typewriter.
'Mr. Clarinet Cloud,
We are pleased to inform you that you have indeed been accepted to the Royal Canterlot symphony. With your rare, melodic, instrument, it was no trouble fitting you in with the rest of the band. This band is in need of more melody and harmony parts, that is where you fit in. You will be a second Clarinet part; who will, at times, play the main melody like the first clarinet, yet at the same time you will also accompany the bass parts and other parts as such to fit the music.
The only Requirements to this is you must don your own set of bow ties as to fit uniform Regulation. You must also practice in your own time. The decision to cut you may be made by the band directors, or by others in the band who feel you aren't pulling your weight, so, practice hard.
Finally, you need to know the important dates, so as to get the music that everypony in this band is going to preform and when each concert is. The meeting for your music is May 19th, and the first concert is in July. Visit your director for more details.
We are happy to have you as an addition to this band and wish you luck in expanding your career.
Sincerely, Mr. Combs, Mr. Crockett and Mr. Colgrove, (their names signed in pen) The Royal symphony Directors.
-----
I was awe struck, I can't believe that I was actually accepted, especially considering that the others from that night out preformed me. I sighed hoping not to be late for anything band related and quickly wrote down the dates given. I did it, No longer will the things I’ve tried float by in the clouds.
Speak softly and use your angry eyes (the DJ Pon3 chapter)
I was excited that I was now accepted to the symphony and I was trying to see who else in the little town of Ponyville was accepted. I knew Octavia was one, but I just wanted to know who else.
I walked the life filled streets of Ponyville hoping to hear any sort of music but to my surprise, none came to my ears. The day was a clear one thanks to Rainbow Dash, but from time to time, I prefer a couple of clouds in the sky. I continued on for about an hour or so with no such luck to finding who played music in Ponyville. I eventually went to the park and saw Lyra Heartstrings.
She was sitting like she usually does on the bench, strait up yet, slouched down. I walk over to her knowing she at least plays the lyre and ask; “are you in the royal band?”
She sits up a little her hind legs nearly toughing the ground then says, “Excuse me?”
“Sorry, I was just inducted to the Royal Canterlot symphony and I was wondering if you were a part of it.”
“Oh no, If I were there’d be very little time I could spend with Bonbon.”
I looked down somewhat disappointed “Oh.” I said flatly back
“I’m actually a freelancer,” She said back; “I’ll play if somepony pays me to, but other than that my playing is just a hobby.”
“Have a good day,” I say to her.
“You too,” She said back
I sigh and continue my journey to find who else is in the band. After a bit, I came to a park in which I saw Rarity’s choir group practicing for an upcoming performance. They need a bit more practice, in my opinion, but all the same the melody harmony and the glorious bass of Big Mac all came together wonderfully. I sighed, continuing on. Not wanting to stop and have Rarity ask if her group got any better; frankly it needs a little bit more time in my opinion.
On my way back to my house, I hear some electronic beats go off from some window and some ponies covering their ears as they trotted by. ‘Who could that be?’ I asked myself; I’ve only known that Octavia was in the band, but who else does music here in Ponyvile. I creep around the building and see an icy, white, blue, mare, step out of the house.
‘Who was that?’ I again asked myself again, browsing my brain for an answer I know I should know her, but I don’t.
I head into the mare's house knowing that whenever she got back, I’d be in big trouble, but sometimes curiosity gets the best of me. Besides, my house is right next door. I sneak around front and see that she’s going to Sugarcube corner.
I once again, browse my head and think of somepony who goes to sugar cube corner who’s the same color, but none come to mind. I continue inside and all I see are a stereo set and a couple of turntables. Whoever it was, was a DJ, I went over to the set up and saw that there were records there lying in a neat pile. Now that I thought about I have always wanted to be a DJ.
I’ve heard kit bit’s 8 bit music and loved it I’ve also heard dubstep some of which I tolerate. I just can’t take songs that more less repeat the same bars of measure over and over again to get to the main piece, or more simply put drop the beat. Kit bits has somewhat inspired me to become a DJ, however, I’ve never been able to get the equipment, nor did I get how exactly the remix process happened which made me well nothing compared to the elites.
I levitated the first record in the corner that I see and place it on the turntable. The disc begins to spin and the needle on the disc began to make the sound. SUCH LOUD SOUND! Jeez! If this was how loud DJ’s normally listened to music, I honestly couldn’t handle the job had I had training of course.
I quickly turn down the music, thinking that whoever was here before would’ve heart that musical blast especially from Sugarcube corner. Aah, much better… I continue on and try out some of the effects on the electric middle of the turntable and well got some interesting results. I wasn’t too sure about the wubs and how those wubs came together to make dubstep, but I liked the chance to try this.
I continued on doing this for about a minute, until I hear the door crash in. The mare I saw before was now right in the entrance, my only chance of escape being the open windows, but I decided to accept her judgment.
Not much came after I’d stopped everything, She just looked at me through her sunglasses as though expecting an explanation to which I offered one: “I’m sorry, I stumbled into the wrong house." That was a futile attempt at getting sympathy from her. She just simply lowered her sunglasses a little so that her red eyes came through. "I was looking for musicians, I'm sorry I barged in." That she somewhat bought "look I’m sorry and I’ll never become a DJ and I’ll fix what I’ve done wrong.”
With that last sentence, she took off her sunglasses revealing in full the crimson eyes that were easily clashed against her mane and cote she looked angrily at me.
“Just, get out.” She said angrily. I immediately followed that one instruction from her, making way to the exit quickly.
Just before the door shut I asked “who are you?” To which her only reply through the door was:
“The name’s DJ Pon3.”
I decided to call today a lost cause, because the most ponies here do is farming anyhow. I knew that pinkie played both the trombone and the sousaphone, However, she’d really never given the band a shot, preferring freelancing much like Lyra from the park before.
DJ Pon3, I thought. I have heard of her before she performed for the summer sun celebration before being the main DJ and even announcing a new dance that year. I honestly thought that dance to be hilarious but all the same that summer was the best.
Oh, horse feathers… I pissed off that DJ. She’d preformed for the summer festival many times before, but, unknown to me now, she'd also done a wedding or two as well. All the same I was ashamed about pissing her off I just wish for some way to make things better.
The next day, I avoid the wubs, hoping not to venture down that anger filled road again. I instead, head to Sugarcube corner to partake in some sweets for my recent accomplishment. As I head in, I see nothing but smiles to welcome me in.
“Hey! Welcome to your super fun congratulations party!” I hear the energetic voice of none other than Pinkie Pie.
“Thanks Pinkie,” I say. “How did you know?”
“Oh, Lyra told me.”
“Well, uh, who else knows about this party?”
“Oh, I managed to invite the Royal Symphony.
“What!? How!?” I always knew that pinkie had the power to practically make parties happen, but I was completely flabbergasted that she invited the entire symphony.
Pinkie completely ignored my shock, continuing on in her usual carefree way.
“I had Twilight help me a little with this party.”
Of course, it was Twilight. Her recent ascension to an alicorn princess has really made her gain popularity, whether or not she wanted it.
I looked around and saw ponies and gryphons alike indulging in both cake and idle chitchat not really caring if the guest of honor, namely me, came or not. The place was decorated more to Twilight's standard rather that Pinkie's; but, I'm sure Pinkie at least insisted on the balloons.
I hear another voice behind me, “Oh, you’re the new inductee? You might remember me.” I turn my head and see the one who had helped me reach the top. She looked a lot like one of the spa sisters; her cote was blue and her mane a pinkish color. She was a bit off of the sister’s colors though; her blue cote had strands of silver and same on her hair. In general she had more of a yogurt tint to her color that the spa sisters didn't.
Oh, Hey, Diamond Sorbet! I didn't know you were in the symphony."
"What were you expecting when I tutored you?" she asked.
"I really wasn't expecting this at all." I replied
"Nopony ever suspects a Pinkie surprise!" Pinkie chimed in from the other half of sweets shop.
"Eeyup," I say back, My tenor voice not really making it so that I mimicked Big Mac's.
Sorbet laughed at my attempt.
"Welcome to Ponyville, I guess." I said
"Thanks, it is, after all, the symphony's thousandth anniversary; and besides of all the places they had to visit, this was the quaintest place they chose."
"Well, nice to hear a good review of it." Pinkie jumped in, somewhat stealing what I was going to say.
"Well," I say brushing off what Pinkie blurted.
"It’s very inspiring for those who would want to write music about the farm land, the, more less, low key get togethers. A songwriter could go crazy over a place like this." Diamond said back to pinkie.
"I could see that," Pinkie said. "I can also see that a lot of song writers would also like a shot at, oh, I don't know, getting the elements of harmony in a piece."
"Ooh girl, I like the way you think." Sorbet said back.
After effectively being cut out of the conversation by pinkie, I decide to go on and meet the other ponies and gryphons alike who have been invited here. The band directors were in a corner discussing the state of affairs and such about music and Orchestra members as well.
I move past them and find a gryphon sitting alone at one of Sugar Cube Corner's couches. I sit next to him and well… "Hello."
"Hey," he said back.
"I'm Cloud.
"Nice to meet you, cloud and my name's Jacob."
"Pleasure meeting you," I said putting my hoof out for a hoofshake.
"Say, I heard there was a new inductee, Is that you?" Jake said accepting that hoofshake.
"Yeah, I'm the new guy. How'd you know?"
"It’s because Anniversary get-togthers are usually for the Symphony only and I haven't seen you around before."
"Ah,"
There was now a silence. The room had gone quiet if for but a second or two but, the chitchat once again picked up.
"So, what instrument do you play?" Jake asked.
"The clarinet," I replied.
"What, that rare thing? I hear gryphons have the hardest time playing that thing, that’s why I play a tenor saxophone."
"I heard that Instrument had to have a gryphon or pony standing to play it. That, I can't do too well because, hooves."
“The likes of which a gryphon doesn't have" Jake proclaimed boastfully.
"The clarinet takes magic, the likes of which I do have." I said calling his boast.
"I guess you're right," Jake said realizing he was matched card for card in this little boasting contest.
The room still bustled with conversation. As Jake and I were silent for a bit longer, neither of us made much of a break from the conversation until.
"Well, it’s been fun talking to you cloud."
"Same," I replied "Have a good evening."
"Same to you and I hope you're ready to work your cutie mark off once things get started." Jake said as I walked away from the couch he was sitting on.
I head to the punch table which was serving apple cider and berry punch. I take a cup of both knowing that Applejack works hard at farming apples and knowing that whoever made the punch would be upset if it weren't all gone.
I still see that pinkie and Diamond were talking and sipping their own drinks over at a table, still possibly talking about music. Despite being as random as ever, Pinkie has from time to time gives a lot into conversations.
I continue walking on and see the one who taunted me the night of my audition, Octavia. Her grey cote and black mane the same as usual, her purple bow tie still on from her re-audition or, was it a different one. I couldn't tell
"Hello there cloud," she said. It’s nice to see a new face in the orchestra."
"Thanks," I said. "Your re-audition was phenomenal."
"Of course, I only save the best pieces for auditions," she said. "That and Vynal helped me re-imagine things that were a bit bland in it."
"Ah, Wish I could be as talented as you."
"Oh, that, well it comes with time and practice. Lots of practice," she said emphasizing the word lots.
"That, I wouldn't doubt," I say taking a sip of apple cider.
"Not to mention, the music that's supposed to be performed is going to be showcased all around Equestria and Neighboring places," She took a sip of her berry punch after that sentence.
"How hard is this gig?"
"Oh, it varies, especially if there's a new inductee." she said hinting to me.
I took the hint, “I’m no slacker.”
"So, what have you heard if anything?"
"About what?"
"Um," I really don't know what to talk about right now "I heard that there's a pony in ponyville who has this awesome turntable and…"
"Oh you're talking about Vynal? I heard somepony broke in and wreaked havoc on what she was working on for over a month, a new sort of 'Wub' as she puts it."
No wonder I pissed off the DJ who'd preformed for Cadence's and Shining's wedding.
"Now that I think about it, her description of the pony involved seems to fit you to a-"
Oh buck…
"Excuse me, Fillies and Geltlecolts," one of the directors said from the front of Sugarcube corner. Saved by the cloud, again. The conductor there had on a formal suit that clashed with the style of the town he was in. He spoke like he'd been a podium pony for years; His mane was grey, and he was a little wrinkled. “I’m one of the three directors here and I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Miss Pinkamina Dian Pie and Princess Twilight Sparkle for cordially inviting us to Ponyville for our 1000th anniversary."
Pinkie cut in right after that, "Please call me Pinkie!"
The speaking director cleared his throat and then said, "I would like to take this chance to welcome our new inductee, Clarinet Cloud." the ponies and gryphons there clapped as I made way to the stage just for an appearance. I saw the many faces of those in our Orchestra and that was a little too intimidating for me.
I was soon shuffled off stage by another one of the conductors. That conductor wore a Stetson much scruffier than Applejack's and had a country accent one that when he spoke, he'd spoke the years of experience he had. "I would also like to say that the piece we're doing this year will be handed out tonight instead of our usual meeting on the 19th of May. So, please, line up by section and get your piece.”
The Orchestra did so. I saw Octavia fall in close to the back Diamond Sorbet was close to the front and Jacob somewhere in the middle. My instinct told me to go to the front, I knew Sorbet as a tutor and she was the best I’ve had on that. I was now wondering, with how organized Twilight is, how much harder tutelage under her would be.
I was perhaps the tenth pony served being handed the music to “The Great Steamboat Race”. It, at first, sounded like a piece that a seasoned pony sailor would write or perhaps a race of that kind witnessed by a pony.
Soon enough, after everypony got their piece, two others came to me Sorbet and Octavia. oh, how would this go?
"Oh, Sorbet," Octavia said "It’s been a while hasn't it?"
"Yes it has, Tavi, Yes it has," Sorbet replied "and frankly It’s been a pleasure to tutor this fine, new, recruit."
"Oh, Cloud, you know Sorbet, How did that come to be?" Octavia asked me and for once to be a part of the conversation, which pinkie cut me out of one, I replied
"She was my tutor soon after I found my clarinet."
"Hm, Well, Cloud, you'll have your job cut out for you, Basically, in this orchestra you're supposed to be good or get cut. Frankly, I can see you in both categories as of now; But, I can see you becoming a good player if you just practice and do things excellently and diligently."
"You're right Tavi," Sorbet said. "And I should mention the credo for this Orchestra and that is: 'there's always room for improvement.'"
I thought on the credo for a moment and began pondering how I myself could improve upon what I know and what others have taught me.
"So, Tavi, How's Vynal doing these days?" Sorbet asked.
"Oh, she's been better, She recently had somepony break in and destroy a tune she'd been working on for a while." as Octavia said. 'somepony' she looked directly at me, That was no longer a secret, even if it was one.
"Oh girl, that sucks," Sorbet said somewhat not taking the obvious hint Octavia threw.
"I know, now she has to work all week to try and redo everything." Octavia said somewhat like Rarity.
"Did she catch sight of that ransacker?" Sorbet asked.
"She did, even said that the colt involved apologized, but, that hardly makes up for the work she'd lost."
"mmhmm." Sorbet nodded.
Somehow, someway, I have to make it up to DJ Pon3. I just know an opportunity will arise for me to do so. I remained silent.
"So, what’d the colt look like, Tavi?"
"He had brown fur and a combo colored mane orange and yellow. She didn't However get a good look at the cutie mark though. That’s how the guards and police ponies can be certain that their perp's always caught."
Shoot, No cloud saving me this time.
"That sounds like it could've been you, Cloud, Was it?"
That was my moment to be truthful as much as it sometimes stung to be, "Yeah I might as well come clean now, It was me." Sorbet and Octavia looked at me shocked, then Octavia said, "I knew it. I knew you were the one I'll..."
"Look, If it makes any difference I have a job and I'm willing to give my first years paycheck to Vynal. I just wanted to let her know that I was sorry and that I can't DJ for nothing." I cut Octavia off.
I was now saying this because I'd done this on my own curiosity, "No, that won't do," I said "I'll give her all my paychecks. Even 75% tip." I said
Octavia was still very angry, Tartarus hath no fury like mares scorned. I was ready to just run and never return, as though this had been what my destiny was since I had ever gotten my cutie mark. But, just then, I remembered my middle sister's saying to cheer me up in these situations: 'Clouds always have a purpose.'
"Tavi, Calm down." Sorbet said.
Octavia looked as though she hadn't wanted anything to do with me after that.
"It was my fault, I just get too curios at times and well you know how both those sayings go."
"That, indeed, I do,” Sorbet said. "And one thing I'm going to say is: it's going to take forever before Octavia will ever speak to you. I know how she gets when she's angry and trust me, it’ll take a lot to patch things up here."
I remained silent after that incident blew over, I needed some way to make this up to Octavia I vowed from then on to find a way to do so. Things were coming to a close at the recruitment party as such everyone there headed for the midnight train going back to Canterlot. Diamond Sorbet bid farewell to those who had played the violin and viola parts in this symphony as well as Jake who'd just simply nodded back.
The train departed and I noticed that Diamond Sorbet wasn't getting on. I was shocked at finally knowing somepony else that'd lived in Ponyville and preformed in the Symphony.
Sorbet trotted off the train stand and was headed this way. she was right next to me when she said, "So, you live in Ponyville as well?"
"Yeah," was all I could say back. I was still ashamed of what had happened back there. I was even surprised that she would even talk to me after all the drama back in Sugarcube corner.
It was a quiet evening but, then again, it was midnight and things were pretty low past dark. I was wondering: since the symphony was in town why weren't the ponyville news papers warned about this? Perhaps it was a surprise party like Pinkie had said.
"I'm staying just for a bit with some family, I would be catching the train back to Manehatten but," Sorbet started but cut off. "Pinkie tells me that she got the symphony to come here for their 1000th anniversary just for you. Frankly, I don't see how you're so special as to have a surprise party being the Royal Symphony. I must know how did you and Pinkie meet?