Chapter 1

 

 

 

[Excerpt]

Viola

Today is the first day of summer sessions. Great. This is just

 

 

what I need; a brand new class of melodious monsters to torture me with

their impeccable musicianship and subterranean personalities. Traditionally

speaking, most of the students who entered my classroom or concert hall

were third and fourth generation musicians; their entrance to the historic

conservatory where I taught had as much to do with their parents’ financial

contributions as it did with their classical training. They fought to get into

my class as I had come to be known as one of the most dogged professors

on campus. Apparently disagreeableness and stubborn determination are

plusses at my job. Go figure. That’s my name on the door:

Dr. Viola Freeland-Graham.

My students know me as Doctor Graham but most days I have to look

over my shoulder to see who they’re talking to. Even after all these years

I can hardly believe it. Armed with an ironclad façade I encapsulate the

image of a bourgeoisie musician with all the pomp and unnecessary fluff

that goes with the territory. The truth is music had become my sanctuary.

I didn’t pursue it because of any special genius or passion. It was the only

place where I knew I was safe. Deep in the wells of Beethoven’s Symphony

number 9 in tempo ordinario I was resurrected from hopelessness for an

hour or so. I would succumb to the pulses in each measure and forget.

Forget my hurt, anger, and questions; forget my tears and loss. I would

remember instead the hope that first pulled me inside of music. I remembered

Saturday morning cartoons, smiles and sunshine, baked chicken,

and mashed potatoes and gravy on Sunday evening.

Music, pure music, reminded me of the hope that life brings. Music is

my salvation. Teaching is my way of ensuring I can hear it in its purest form.

[end of excerpt] 

Nakeia Council-Daniels has been an active artist for more than twenty years. A writer, vocalist, poet, and musician, she is now the author of her debut novel The Best of Us: A story of love, loss, corruption and family set in New York City.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. Nakeia now lives in Southern California with her husband Jerry and their three children, Jerry III, Jonathan and Naomi.