Women's Christmas Ensemble

“Auditions for a vocal ensemble tonight!” Chris blurted out opening his lunchbox. It was packed to overflowing.

Aaron dropped his hammer and bit into his sandwich while scrutinizing the contents of Chris’ lunchbox. “Did you pack that thing for a week? I’m surprised you were able to close it.” He teased.

“Anyway, I’m listening. Does this gig pay?”

“Nope, volunteer– Christmas music thing. My more humble half saw the audition ad in the paper and immediately thought of you.” The men sat on a roofing scaffold dangling their legs over the edge.

“I don’t know—don’t want to miss out on any overtime. I need all the overtime I can get. It’s only November and the mercury hasn’t reached 30 all week. Just watch those fuel prices soar! They’re already climbing!”

********

Abbey arranged the music on the old piano. She had long dreamed of creating a women’s ensemble for the Christmas season.

The church was modestly decorated and dimly lit. Green boughs adorned the large, stained-glass windows. Lit candles, the electric kind, stood in the middle of the boughs, adding both an eerie, yet peaceful ambiance to the assembly hall.

Several women heavily dressed in coats, hats and scarves entered. “Try-outs for the women’s Christmas ensemble?” They inquired.

“Yes!” Abbey smiled. “Very informal. If you can read music and carry a pitch, I’m not fussy. I’m Abbey, Abbey Mitchell. Well, then, let’s warm up.“

Abbey played a few chords and winced. “Don’t think this piano has been tuned in a while. Oh well, we’ll just have to make do. Let’s hum a few scales.” Abbey smiled. “Is it just me, or is it really cold in here? My fingers are freezing!”

The women followed the musical scales as Abbey played them. “I think we have the makings of a great group here!” Abbey beamed. She grabbed some sheet music from the top of the piano and distributed it. “Here’s a medley of Christmas tunes. Let’s start from the beginning.”

As Abbey raised her hand to count off, the front door creaked. Aaron walked into the foyer.

“Can I help you?” Abbey asked. All of the women turned in their pews to see who the newcomer was.

“Auditions for a Christmas ensemble?” Aaron asked, glancing at the women facing him. Something about this doesn’t look right.

“It’s… a women’s ensemble.” Abbey smiled apologetically. There were a few moments of uncomfortable silence.

“Oh, let him stay!” Several of the women admonished.

Abbey took a deep breath, “One male voice might not really fit in with all of your voices.” Abbey replied, hoping the response wasn’t harsh. “Can you carry a tune?” Abbey asked.

“Actually, I’ve been told I have a strong, baritone’s voice.”

“Can you read music?”

“Yeah, but not sight-read.”

“C’mon, let him stay!” The women pressured.

“I don’t want everyone to leave in protest. You can stay.” Abbey smiled. The women clapped.

“There’s music on the seat. We’re about to sing the so– oh, oh, maybe this won’t be a good way to start… –prano part of the first selection.” Abbey hesitated. “Just follow it in your own vocal range as best you can.” She directed Aaron.

Aaron smiled and sheepishly sat down at the end of the pew.

Abbey listened to the voices. Yup, his lovely voice definitely stands out! out. Abbey ran through the selections. I really am impressed with the voices presented here tonight. I’m really fortunate, but what to do with his?

“Great acoustics in this room, and great job ladies and gentleman! See you all next week! Remember to bring the music with you.” Abbey smiled. “Thank you all for coming!”

Aaron approached Abbey. “My voice does kind of drown everyone else out, doesn’t it?”

“Not too much. “ Abbey lied. “You do have a fine voice. Please, come back next week. If you don’t show again, the women might blame me and leave! I have been dreaming of a women’s ensemble for several years, but this is the first year that I’ve had any time to actually put one together. Can you play an instrument?”

Aaron’s face lit up. “A little piano and acoustic guitar.”

“Don’t worry.” Abbey’s green eyes twinkled. “I’ll think of something. “

Aaron nodded, “Thank you, Ma’am.”

“Abbey. I’m Abbey Mitchell. Sorry, you walked in after I introduced myself.”

“I’m Aaron Ferguson. Good night. Nice to have met you!” He waved as he exited the assembly hall.

********

Over the passing days, Abbey diligently arranged and rearranged the music to accommodate Aaron’s voice. “If he doesn’t come back, I’ll drag in the first man I see off the street!”

Much to Abbey’s delight, Aaron appeared for the next rehearsal. “Just want you all to know, I worked very hard re-writing and arranging the music so Aaron could be a part of the group.” The women clapped. Aaron slumped down in his pew trying to hide the blush creeping up his face and turning the tips of his ears bright red. All this feminine attention was disconcerting.

“You have a solo.” Abbey smiled. “I thought you could play your guitar and sing Silent Night. It was originally written for guitar. I’ve made some other adjustments—you’ll see. Oh, the best for last! I have a snowman’s costume for you. Are you man enough? Frosty?” Everyone laughed.

Abbey produced the newly arranged music and began working her ensemble. “I can see you all love to sing! I’m so fortunate! You all are going to rock!”

“Great rehearsal!” Aaron remarked as the session ended. “I might change my mind about nailing my buddy and his wife to the roof we’re working on!” Aaron chuckled. “When I walked in and saw all the women last week, I was sure my buddy and his wife were playing a prank on me. They’ve been known to do so in the past.” Aaron waved good-bye.

********

“I don’t understand how the guitar string popped!” Aaron apologized after the ensemble’s first performance. He was clumsily trying to remove the bulky Frosty costume without tearing it. “I put new strings on and practiced with them all week. And of course it would pop in front of a mall full of people!”

“You’re worried about a guitar string? Are you kidding? Look at your guitar? What’s left of it, that is.” Abbey was incredulous. “I have a spare you can use for the next performance.

I can see the headlines, now, ‘Mall Snowman K-bongs Pick-Pocket With His Guitar!’

I couldn’t believe what I was seeing! You and the women were singing so beautifully, then you jump to your feet and holler, ‘Stop! Thief!’ The next thing I know you bash someone over the head with your instrument!”

“I tried to run after the guy.” Aaron explained, clearly disturbed about the condition of his instrument. “The costume limited my movement. Using the guitar was the only thing I could think of at the moment. Luckily, the other guys in the audience were savvy enough to tackle the thief and hold him down until the cops arrived, otherwise he might’ve escaped.”

“The detective said you saved the woman’s Christmas, a single parent with three little kids! The money she had in her wallet was all she had. If the thief had gotten away, their Christmas would’ve miserable, indeed!” Abbey’s green eyes flashed.

“Yeah, I know. I almost wish I had had the opportunity to clobber him twice. Once for the woman and her kids and once for the guitar.”

“How did you know?” Abbey quizzed, “That he was attempting to steal her wallet?”

“Everyone, even the kids in the audience were so quiet, genuinely listening to us. Then I saw subtle movement. I just saw this hand reach into the woman’s purse. He was so focused on what he was trying to do, he didn’t notice that someone was watching.

He seemed to get really nervous. Hard to describe, and then I knew I had to do something! I knew he was going to steal something.”

“We’re really proud of you, the women and I, and, we are upset about the condition of your guitar, too. It kind of looks like frazzled toothpicks.

Can you just see the expression on the judge’s face when it is admitted as evidence?” Abbey and Aaron both laughed.

“Sorry the women couldn’t stay. The police took forever to question everyone.” Abbey apologized.

“In all the excitement, I forgot to ask, how are you doing?” Abbey gave Aaron a gently pat on the back.

“I’ll live. Do you have a few moments, I’d like to talk with you. Coffee?” Aaron suggested pointing to a nearby coffee shop. “Can I lean on you for a moment?” He hopped from one foot to the next trying to get his feet out of the costume.

Abbey laughed. “Yes, coffee-to-go, I’m afraid. I have some students this evening, and I really need to get myself moving. I’m going to be late, sorry.”

“Abbey, I’ve really enjoyed…everything… minus this event, of course. Would you consider going to a concert sometime? That is, if you are not married or connected with anyone.”

“I’m…solo… couldn’t resist.” Abbey chuckled. “I’d like that, and you can go as yourself.” She smiled, shooting a glance at the crumpled snowman suit Aaron was now holding. “I had wondered if, if you were…solo! For now, gotta go! Thanks for the coffee!” Abbey waved good-bye.

Aaron smiled. Now, sorry my friend, Frosty. Time to part until the next performance. He folded the costume as neatly as he could and stuffed it in his empty guitar case.

I really like Abbey. This would be the best Christmas, if she turned out to be the love of my life! He sighed.

The best part, wait ’till Chris hears what happened to his guitar! Aaron chuckled. “I’ll never hear the end of it!”