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turning to page one
turning to page one
Andrew plays the drums with Nassau Band. Keeps missing hits. The song’s SECOND NASSAU BAND REHEARSAL CHART (ANDREW).
MR. KRAMER
Alright, that’s... That’s enough of that.
Back to just the core, please.
MUSICIANS trade places. As Ryan trades with Andrew, he turns--
RYAN
Dude -- what’ve you been practicing?
Just then, the DOOR SWINGS OPEN -- and in steps FLETCHER. All eyes go to him. All talking ceases. Absolute silence, save for Fletcher’s footsteps. Andrew waits. Heart pounding...
Fletcher arrives at the head of the band -- as Kramer silently and meekly retreats. Fletcher props up the music stand to his height, looks down at the sheet music, runs his finger down it to find the spot he wants... Andrew, like all the other players, is dead-still, eyes glued on Fletcher’s every move...
Fletcher looks up, surveys the band with his eyes. Then, raising his hand--
FLETCHER
Down the line.
Pink (9/10/2013)
Instruments SNAP upward with military precision. No one wants to miss a beat.
FLETCHER (CONT’D)
Trumpets. Bars 36 to 38. One-two--
The TRUMPETER on the right starts playing. Five notes before Fletcher cuts him off with the slightest flick of his hand.
FLETCHER (CONT’D)
Next. One-two--
(the SECOND TRUMPETER misses his cue)
Next. One-two--
Nothing. Fletcher looks up. There are no more trumpeters. He looks over at Kramer: “Are you serious?”
FLETCHER (CONT’D)
Trombone. Bars 21 to 23. Four-and--
(TROMBONIST is scrambling to find the right page)
Saxes. 48 to 50. “And” of one. And-one--
(ALTO SAX gets through one bar)
Next--
Before he even counts off, he notices the TENOR SAX’s fingering -- all he needs to know.
FLETCHER (CONT’D)
Drums.
We get a split-second glimpse of the TENOR SAXOPHONIST, wondering what just happened -- before we CUT to the drums, Ryan at the ready.
FLETCHER (CONT’D)
Double-time swing.
Ryan takes a breath. Fletcher CLAPS him off. Ryan plays.
FLETCHER (CONT’D)
Thank you. You. Behind.
Palms sweaty, Andrew takes Ryan’s place. Trains his eyes on Fletcher’s hands. Deep breath. Fletcher CLAPS, and Andrew begins -- trying to get the motion right, trying to stay in time--
FLETCHER (CONT’D)
Thank you. Bass. Five bars of “Donna
Lee”.
We STAY ON Andrew as the BASSIST plays; Andrew slides off the drums and back to his regular seat.
Pink (9/10/2013)
FLETCHER (O.S.) (CONT’D)
(to Bassist)
Thank you.
We CUT back to Fletcher. He looks over the band once more. We see the MUSICIANS’ faces -- scared, but hopeful. Then--
FLETCHER (CONT’D)
Drums. Come with me.
Ryan’s heart starts speeding. His excitement visible, he--
FLETCHER (CONT’D)
Other drums.
Ryan freezes. Andrew is stuck in place for a moment. Then, eyes wide -- is this really happening? -- he rises and approaches the doorway... There, Fletcher hands him an ORANGE PAPER SLIP.
FLETCHER (CONT’D)
Give this to Admin for rescheduling. We
meet 6am to 1pm every day. Room B16.
And with that, he EXITS.
In a daze, Andrew drifts back toward the band. Kramer looks at him. Andrew answers the look with a defiant smile. Vindicated.
MR. KRAMER
Ok fellas, let’s...let’s take it back from
the top..
He claps off. The band plays SECOND NASSAU BAND REHEARSAL CHART (RYAN). Andrew pretends not to notice Ryan’s eyeing him in shock. Just sits down, lets it all settle.
And -- ever so slowly -- Andrew’s face dissolves into a GRIN...