A New Beginning chp. 4: Music Theory

Nadia walked into the classroom. It was spacy. There were six rows of tables and six across. You could fit two at a table. The walls were made of white blocks and the floors were covered in white tile. There were no windows. In the front of the room was a huge whiteboard with a screen that could be pulled down in front of it. In the back corner of the room looked to be a decent sized closet.

Nadia noticed that she was the first on in the room. She took a seat in the front row, on the far side on the outside. She pulled out a planner and a pen. She sat there and waited doodling on the side of the paper.

Other students came in and took their seats around the room. One of them sat down next to Nadia. Nadia looked up to see it was a young lady.

The young lady wore a slightly low cut dark purple shirt, black jeans with a few rips on it, a belt that hung off the hip, purple fingerless gloves, black boots and a dark purple hooded cloak. She had long pale blonde hair with black highlights. The center part of the hair was braided. She had jaded ice-blue eyes. Her skin was pale. She also wore black tipped white feather earrings. Her face was sharp and looked like royals of old. She wore light purple eye shadow and black eyeliner. Her dark pink lips were up in a ‘bring it on’ kind of smile.

“Um…hi.” Nadia said.

“Hello.” The young lady replied.

“My name is Nadia. What is yours?” Nadia asked.

“The name is Rose.” Rose answered.

“Um...that is a nice name. So how are you doing?” Nadia asked.

“I am fine.” Rose replied.

“Okay.” It fell into silence.

Soon the teacher came in. The teacher gave out papers to everyone. “My name is Mr. Ether. No, I will not put you to sleep. Also if you do fall asleep I will play the loudest music I have to wake you up. This is a classroom, not a bedroom. I am here to teach you, not babysit you. Now that the introductions are out of the way we can get to business.

Mr. Ether went to the front of the room. “The papers that I handed you are the syllabus and the schedule. There will be a quiz online on it which will be due tomorrow. I expect you to read it and come to me if you have any questions.”

“Now this class is music theory. This isn’t just a class that you just sit around and listen to music. In this class I will not only teach you how to really listen, but recognize the elements of the music you are listening to. The composition is what makes a song good. If you just randomize your notes and beats, odds are that it will sound horrible. It takes a balance to create good music. There are multiple things that make up good music.”

Mr. Ether walked over to a table and picked up a cd. He put the cd in the player. Suddenly a really loud pitched noise sounded out with a random beat behind it that was off tune. There was a singer, but the words couldn’t be made out. He pressed the stop button after a few moments.

Nadia rubbed her ears. “Ow…”
 
“Now I’m sure that you will agree with me that this is bad music. Now listen to this.” Mr. Either put another cd in. It was soothing with flutes and violins. “Now we can agree that this is much better. We will take this semester to learn what makes up a song and the different eras of music.”

Mr. Ether walked into the middle of the class again. “I want you to pick a partner. You and your partner will make and present a song at the end of the semester. You both must participate in this project. There will be periodical reports that will need to be turned in. So choose wisely.”

The class erupted in movement. People choose their friends and people they thought would be good at music. There were only two people that didn’t have a partner.

“I guess we are partners now.” Rose said.

“Um…yes. Are you okay with this?” Nadia asked.

“It is fine.” Rose replied.

“That is all I have for you today. Come back Wednesday ready to learn, because I won’t be so easy next time. Class dismissed.” Mr. Ether said. Everyone got up and left discussing what they were going to do next.

“Um…when would you like to meet up?” Nadia asked.

“I have 4:30 to 9 on Tuesdays and Thursdays open. We can work in the sound proof rooms in the library.” Rose answered.

“Um…that should work. I only have classes in the morning. When should we start?” Nadia asked, clutching her books closer as they went into the student center.

“I am thinking next week. That way we can have time to think about what we want for the song.” Rose answered.

Nadia and Rose walked over into the corner of the room since it was the only free spot in the room. Everywhere was filled with students playing pool, air hockey, playing video games or talking amongst each other.

Nadia put her books down on the table. “What kinds of music do you like?”

Rose dropped her purple Cheshire cat messenger bag on the floor and then sat down on the chair. “I listen to a variety, but mainly classical. What do you listen to?”

“Um…Christian contemporary, rock, metal…” Nadia began to say.

“Well, well. Lookey here, girls. The rabbit is spreading her back stabbing views amongst the other unsuspecting herbivores.” Alronda cut her off.

Rose looked up at Alronda, “Oh look at what the cat dragged in.”

Alronda’s eyes narrowed. “What did you say?”

Nadia stood up. “Please, calm down. There isn’t any reason to fight.”

“You heard me, blondie.” Rose replied, ignoring Nadia’s pleas.

Alronda moved closer to Rose. “You little…”

“Ladies, calm down. There isn’t any need for a fight.” A calm voice commanded.

Nadia looked behind her to see Mel and Coon approaching them. She also noticed the silence in the room and the other students stares.

Alronda turned to look at Mel and Coon. “What do you want?”

“Exactly as I said before. I don’t know what started this fight, but I’m sure we can work it out.” Mel replied calmly.

“Hmph…I’m not working anything out with a backstabber.” Alronda flipped her hair and stuck her nose up. “Come on, Candi and Sadi. We have other places to be instead of in the presence of bible thumpers and their supporters.” Alronda, Candi and Sadi turned on their heels and left the student center.

The other students stared a little longer, but went back to their own business. The student center got loud again.

“Thank you for standing up for Nadia.” Mel said.

“It isn’t a problem. Everyone has a right to believe what they want. I don’t like it when others try to stuff their beliefs down other people’s throats.” Rose answered crossing her arm.

“I apologize for Alronda’s behavior.” Mel replied.

“You’re not her mother. Don’t apologize for her. She is an adult and she makes her own choices.” Rose said.

Mel softly smiled. “I know you are right, but I can’t help but to feel somewhat responsible. It is partly my fault why she acts the way she does.”

“Hmph. Well if you have done all that you can to fix it, and then it is the little priss’ fault on how she acts.” Rose replied.

“Perhaps.” Mel studied Rose for a moment. “I don’t believe we have met before. My name is Melva.”

“Now, we haven’t. Mine is Rose.” Rose replied.

“It is nice to meet you, Rose. I do hope I get to talk to you some more.” Mel said.

Rose raised an eyebrow. “You’re not staying?”

Mel shook her head. “Coon and I have work to go to.”

Rose looked at Coon. “That is an interesting name. Are you from the deep south?”

“No, but it is much better than my real name.” Coon answered.

“What is it?” Rose asked uncrossing her arms.

“I’d rather not say.” Coon answered simply.

“Well I will find out someday.” Rose replied.

“Maybe.” Coon said.

Nadia got up. “Um…I have some things to do off campus. I will see you guys tomorrow.”

“Alright, see you tomorrow.” Rose said.

“We will walk you out.” Coon replied.

“Um…okay.” Nadia said.

Nadia picked up her books and headed out of the student center. Coon and Mel followed her out to the parking lot. She walked to the back and over to a black car.

Coon stopped abruptly. “Is that a Porsche 911?”

“Um…yes.” Nadia answered softly.

Coon walked around it. “Look at those lines. You have an upgraded fin and purple tinted windows. The headlights and taillights are customized as well. You even have side skirting and is that?” Coon bent down. “Those are whirlwind Enkei rims.”

“Yes, I also have a better gear shifter, transmission and engine as well. There is purple neon under the car and there is a better stereo as well.” Nadia pointed out.

Mel looked at the two, confused. “It is just a car. What is so special about it?”

Coon looked at her. “It is an expensive sport car. An upgraded one at that. It is one of the cars that enthusiasts love. Only people with money can get one and upgrade it.”

Mel and Coon looked at Nadia. Nadia blushed. “My parents bought it for me for graduation. It showed up in the driveway one morning with a note.”

“That is a big present. What do your parents do for a living?” Mel asked gently.

“My mother is an international singer and my father is a manger for a big corporation in Paris.” Nadia answered softly, looking at the ground.

Mel went over to her and put a hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry for bringing up a painful subject. It must be tough for you with them gone all the time.”

Nadia looked back up with tears in her eyes. “Yes, but it isn’t all that bad. With them gone I got to meet Jesus.”

Mel gently smiled and wiped the tears that fell from Nadia’s face. “That is true. And I know that He will always be there for you and love you.”

Nadia pulled away and sniffed. “Yes.”

“I am sorry as well. If there is anything you need, even if it is to talk at two in the morning, call.” Coon held out a piece of paper. “It has mine and Mel’s cell phone numbers on it.”

Nadia grabbed the paper. Her hand accidentally touched his. She blushed and pulled away quickly. “Um…thank…you…” She stuffed the paper in her jeans pocket.

“You’re welcome. Just as Coon said call if you need anything. Don’t be afraid to call.” Mel added.

Nadia nodded. “Um…I got to go.”

“Okay. Take care.” Mel waved and turned to head to Coon’s car.

“Good bye, Nadia. Remember you are loved.” Coon waved as well and followed Mel.

Nadia unlocked her car door and got in. She put her books in the passenger seat. The books slightly slid to one side.

Nadia then looked at her slightly tingling hand. “What was that?” She then smiled. “I don’t know, but I am loved. Lord, thank you for reminding me of that. Bless them, Lord, bless them.”

Nadia felt a calming, loving presence surround her. She wiped her eyes to get rid of the last tear. “Today was a great day.”

Nadia then turned on the car and left the parking lot, feeling far better than when she first arrived.