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Our opening act was a surprise. Two 6th grade boys asked if they could perform two songs at the confirmation celebration before our band performed. We of course agreed, because 6th graders are cute and innocent. It was to be their first performance. No no had heard them or knew what kind of music they would do. We did know that the two-boy group played an electric guitar and a cowbell. How dangerous could it be?

Pretty dangerous, apparently. The song started out with a nice guitar riff that led into screaming/grunting that sounded like something straight off the stage of a MegaDeath concert. The lead singer all but swallowed the microphone while he "sang" and the speakers rattled with feedback. I looked back at the sound technician who promptly turned off all speakers. I guess they were going for shock value, and luckily their lyrics were positive. Still, I think the neighbors of the church probably formed some interesting opinions that night if they overheard the outdoor concert.

Our band played well, though I have to admit the whole thing was less than magical as we had a constant battle with feedback and balance. It's not surprising that rehearsals are often more gratifying than the performance. Musicians get comfortable in their rehearsal "homes." The acoustics are familiar, the set-up is familiar and there are few distractions. The performace locations provides new (or no) acoustics, the set-up is scattered and an audience of friends and family can distract from the intimacy of the music.

I remember this happening in choir, too, where perfect harmonies and emotional highs would come at the most unexpected of times. But they were fleeting moments that both pleased and frustrated at the same time. Knowing the magical moment could happen but would not likely happen again was a true paradox.