NMA Reunio 2012, Scene 22: "All on the same page."

Time: Wednesday afteroon at the first rehearsal of the Concert Band.
Setting: Ballroom.
Cast: Wilbur Smith and the NMA Concert Band.

Smitty: Okay, get up "The Last Full Measure of Devotion." This is a vocal feature, and I guarantee that Stephanie Richards will bring down the house with this.

                Smitty gives the downbeat.
                A few seconds of incomprehensible discord ensue.
                Smitty cuts off the band.

Smitty: Is everyone playing the same thing? This is "The Last Full Measure of Devotion."

                General murmurs of assent are heard from the band.

Smitty: Once more--"Last Full Measure of Devotion." Ready, and--

                Smitty gives the downbeat.
                A messy jumble of sound is heard.
                Smitty cuts off the band.

Trombone player: Smitty, what are we playing?

Smitty: (Patiently) "The Last Full Measure of Devotion."

Trombone player: "The Last Full Measure."

Smitty: Right.

Trombone player: "Of Devotion."

Smitty: Right. "The Last Full Measure of Devotion."

                Smitty gives the downbeat.
                The sound is ruinous, particularly the sound from the low brass.     
                Smitty stops the band.

Smitty: Trombones, are you with us? We're playing "The Last Measure of Devotion."

                The trombonists nod.

Smitty: Beginning at the first measure.

Trombone player: Did you say the first measure?

Smitty: That's right.

Trombone player: The first measure of "The Last Full Measure of Devotion"?

Smitty: Exactly.

                The trombone section gathers in a huddle.
                They argue amongst themsleves for a half-minute.
                Finally, they sit back down.

Trombone player: Okay, Smitty, we're ready now.

-- The End ---