The Chronicles of Music Majors

The Complete Edition

Book Cover: The Chronicles of Music Majors
Editions:Paperback: $ 10.99
ISBN: 9781736604403
Size: 5.00 x 8.00 in
Pages: 152
Kindle: $ 2.99
ISBN: 9781736604410
Pages: 154
ePub
ISBN: 9781736604410

Join the students of the fictional Belton University as they learn to navigate the world of music, discovering friendship, fortitude, and love along the way!

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Excerpt:

Brandon clamped his large fingers around the thick neck of his six-foot upright bass. He glanced over his shoulder at the clock on the back wall of the concert hall. Will this rehearsal ever end? Still twenty minutes until break. He sighed.

The conductor, a man in his mid-thirties dressed in a crisp button-down shirt, waved his arms in perfect precision in front of the violin section. As always, the violinists sped through exciting melodies while Brandon plunked out repetitive bass lines. That’s what happens when you choose bass in junior high orchestra.

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At that time in his life, he’d wanted a hobby to keep him away from home as long as possible. His twelve-year-old self never would have dreamed he’d end up a music major at Belton University. A relaxed, go-with-the-flow guy, he’d never fully identified with the “ork dorks” in other sections of the orchestra. Yet seven years later, here he sat, perched on a stool on a fancy stage, a sophomore in college.

Brandon glanced at the score in front of him. Several measures of rests spanned the page. He set his bow on the music stand and ran one hand through his shaggy brown hair. The third movement of Dvorak’s Eighth Symphony filled his ears. The nineteenth-century composer possessed a knack for beautiful melodic lines. If only he’d shared more of them with the lower strings.

After the movement wound to a close, the conductor wiped his forehead and gestured to the brass section. Brandon jerked to attention as trumpet blasts pierced the air. No chance to doze during this movement. He squinted at the notes on the page. Dvorak had finally given the melody to the low strings. Time to focus.

His instrument sang as he slid his bow over the strings. When the music’s intensity rose, Brandon increased the pressure on the bow. How exhilarating! He pulled his last stroke through with a flourish.

He slumped lower on the stool. A new sound jolted him back to attention—this time not trumpet blasts, but the sweet song of a flute. His gaze moved to the woodwinds. A thrill of excitement rippled down his spine. A slender girl with wavy brunette hair held a flute to her rosy lips. Chestnut eyes gleamed behind small glasses perched on her perky nose.

Brandon swallowed. As stunning as the music she played, the flutist’s solo soared over the orchestra like a bird above the midwestern plains. How had he never noticed her before? And how could he attract her attention?

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Francesca caught a quick breath between phrases. This flute solo demanded every ounce of breath support she possessed. After playing in the Belton University Wind Ensemble for the past two years, she’d finally achieved her dream—acceptance into the Belton Symphony Orchestra, as a junior.

Her fingers flew over the slender silver metal as if on autopilot. She’d played this solo countless times in the practice room but never with an orchestra.

At the age of nine she’d joined the school band and loved every minute of it. She’d sat first flute all through high school, so her decision to major in music was no surprise.

After the last note of her solo died away, she lowered the instrument to her lap and wet her dry lips. She glanced at the clock at the back of the concert hall. Almost time for break. Her gaze dropped to the bassist in front of the clock. With large, muscular arms wrapped around his instrument, he resembled a teddy bear hugging a giant violin. The bass suited him in size. Cute. Her heartbeat quickened. How had she never noticed this guy? She’d have remembered that tan complexion and mischievous smile.

The conductor rapped on his music stand. “Take five. After the break, we’ll run the last movement again.” He shuffled the music in front of him, then strode off stage.

“Nice job.”

Francesca turned to face Carl, the clarinetist seated behind her, his instrument in hand. A senior now, he’d joined the symphony a year ago. He pointed to her flute. “Not an easy part.”

She shook her head. “My fingers were shaking.”

He laughed. “It gets easier over time. You need to relax.”

A tense smile pulled at the corners of her mouth. “How?”

He cocked his head to the side. “I’ll think of something. Right now, I need to catch up with Brandon.”

“Who?”

“A buddy of mine.” He sauntered away.

Francesca turned back to her music. Five minutes to practice before rehearsal resumed.

After the short break, the conductor raised his arms, baton in hand. The trumpet fanfare rang in Francesca’s ears as if to rouse her to action. The muscles in her fingers clamped the instrument.

When the low strings took over the melody, her gaze moved to the bass section in search of the cute teddy bear. He wasn’t there. Don’t be stupid, Francesca. You don’t even know him. Focus.

She raised her flute and drew a deep breath.

As she placed the metal to her lips, a loud honk jolted her out of position. What on earth is Carl up to?

She twisted to flash him a fierce glare. But it wasn’t Carl.

“What?” Her fingers tightened on the flute.

The teddy bear bassist sat in the chair behind her, Carl’s clarinet clutched in his massive hand. He grinned.

Her stomach lurched. Where was Carl?

Out of the corner of her eye, she glimpsed a wave from the bass section. Sure enough, Carl sat on a stool, dwarfed behind the enormous instrument.

Warmth crept into her cheeks as she resumed her solo, all nerves with the cute guy behind her.

The conductor shot daggers from his eyes as he surveyed the orchestra in search of the troublemaker.

After her solo, Francesca spun around to face the bass player. “What in the world?”

He extended his hand. “Hi there. Nice to meet you. I’m Brandon.”

She hesitated, then shook it. Electricity shot through her arm. “Why on earth did you trade instruments?”

Brandon chuckled and scratched his stubbled chin. “Carl said you needed a change in the winds.”

Francesca pursed her lips. “And you agreed? You’re in a heap of trouble.”

He winked. “It’s all right. I’ve got the best seat in the house.”

COLLAPSE
Reviews:Dr. Robin Wallace: Musicologist/Author of: Hearing Beethoven: A Story of Musical Loss and Discovery wrote:

Ashley Rescot jazzes up the lives of music students in ways that are both fun and easy to relate to. Whether or not you are a musician, you will enjoy learning about music and romance from this charming collection of characters.

Dr. Chelsea Dark: French horn player Licensed Psychologist: www.austinsleeppsychologist.com wrote:

The Chronicles of Music Majors is a rollicking good time! I found myself on the edge of my seat, perpetually enticed to read “just one more page.” Ashley Rescot’s artful depictions of the inner workings of Belton University’s School of Music left me longing for my music major days. A true gift to music lovers of every age, and a delightful read from start to finish!

Mary Pat Johns: Author of Faith-filled Stories of Hope and Redemption, MARYPATJOHNS.COM wrote:

Ashley Rescot’s The Chronicles of Music Majors offers readers a refreshing lift as she invites us into her fictional music world. Her sweet romantic stories hit all the right notes with perfect pitch. My favorite story would have to be the last one I read–seriously, it was hard to choose because each has its own unique twist. A delicious read. If you have a musical background or simply love music, this collection of stories is a must.

Charleen Ayers: Adjunct Professor of Voice, Friends University, Opera and Musical Theatre Performer wrote:

As a lifelong singer and professional performer I loved Ashley Rescot’s short story series THE CHRONICLES OF MUSIC MAJORS.Her descriptive writing style and interesting characters pulled me in completely. In fact, I was disappointed when the story was over! I wanted more! I especially loved the short stories Christmas Glee Club and Get a Handel on It. These two stories in particular should be fondly reminiscent to anyone who has ever participated in a high school chorus, orchestra or band concert.

Amre Cortadino: Author, 2020 1st place ACFW Virginia Crown Award Winner, Suspense, 2019 Finalist ACFW Genesis Contest, www.https:/merryheartink.com wrote:

My mother was a music teacher, and Ashley’s characters brought to life so many memories of that special time in my childhood. Her vivid descriptions bloomed the aroma of leather-covered violin cases, the tinkling of piano keys, the om-pa-pa of accordion notes, and the excitement that filled the concert halls. As I turned the pages, I wore the shoes of the students at the fictional Belton University and wished the story would never end.

Devon Carpenter: Harpist, Teacher/Owner of The Music Factory, www.springfieldmusicfactory.com wrote:

I really enjoyed reading these stories! So many experiences that are universal to college-aged students, discovering life and love in the midst of their musical studies. Each one strikes the balance of developing the characters and situations within the structural confines of a short story. Well done!