asked immediately, to break the silence.
We all answered at once, and that lightened the
heavy air with some laughter.
Howard then started a long story about his trip,
speaking as if he was doing a scene on the stage, his
hands moving like two birds circling each other. A moment later. Edmond Senetsky entered with
Madame Senetsky on his arm and everyone rose. She
took her seat at the head of the table. Edmond sat at
the far end, and our first formal dinner at the Senetsky
School began.
We learned that Alfred Littleton, our vocal
teacher, was a former light opera star, and the
instrumental teacher. Leonard Bergman, was an
internationally famous conductor. The more we
learned about each and every one of them and their
accomplishments, the more nervous and insecure I
felt. Surely, they would take one good look at me and
see what an imposter I was. How could a farm girl
from Ohio be considered someone so talented she
could compete for a place in the world's greatest
orchestras?
Mr. Masters would find my speaking ability
and speech patterns so flawed, he would throw up his
hands in frustration. I knew I didn't have the kind of
grace or muscle coordination to please a professional
dance instructor, and I couldn't carry a vocal note. There would be no point to any singing instructions for me. Once all this was learned. I was sure I, would be called to Madame Senetsky's office, where she would quickly inform me a great error had been made and there was someone far more qualified waiting in
the wings. I would almost be relieved. I thought, I was so frightened. I competed with Ice for the
position of the most silent person at dinner. I could
see how Mr. Masters was keenly listening to
everyone's speech patterns. It made me very selfconscious. As I expected. Howard Rockwell led us