I was on the train. Anxiously approaching Carnegie Hall in a black dress black heels and my Starbucks cup in hand We took the stage. The full hall fell silent the lights dimmed the oboist gave an A clear as crystal we became one one perfect pitch. Our conductor waved his hands the music began I sat on the edge of my chair shaking with fear shaking with excitement ready to call on the strength of those who made history here. To call on Bernstein Mahler Gershwin. To make my own history. To fill the hall with sound. I feel so vulnerable but so powerful.