· · ·
turning to page one
turning to page one
The same room we saw Andrew practicing in at night -- only now it’s full of musicians. Mostly male, mostly first- and second- years. This is NASSAU BAND, one of Shaffer’s lower-level jazz ensembles. Because it’s Shaffer, the players are still first- rate. A few third-years are here, too -- including a red-head drummer with the body of a linebacker. RYAN CONNOLLY.
Andrew looks up -- in time to see Ryan with a GIRL by the doorway. Ryan’s girlfriend is gorgeous -- tall, all curves. Ryan lets his hand slide down her shoulder. Andrew watches...
The GIRL waves bye to Ryan as he heads in. He’s all macho confidence.
TRUMPETER
My man Ry! Shit, how you feeling?
RYAN
Stitched up at last, dude.
TRUMPETER
Things were hurting with Neiman on the kit--
Ryan taps him to stop. Andrew is within earshot -- and has heard. Beat. Ryan moves over to Andrew, sits down at the set.
RYAN
You have a good weekend, bro?
ANDREW
Yeah. Definitely. Really good.
RYAN
Don’t worry about Greg. He’s a dick.
Andrew nods. Admires Ryan. Seems more diminutive now than ever.
RYAN (CONT’D)
You been practicing?
ANDREW
Yeah. All the time.
RYAN
My man.
Then -- the Nassau Band conductor appears: RON KRAMER.
MR. KRAMER
Morning, fellas. “Billie’s In”, bar 8.
Pink (9/10/2013)
Mr. Kramer CLAPS OFF in time -- and the band begins playing FIRST NASSAU BAND REHEARSAL CHART. Mid-tempo. Ryan’s confident, in control. Andrew turns his pages, watches...
MR. KRAMER (CONT’D)
Nice, Ryan... Woah, trumpets.
TRUMPETER #2 **
Yeah, yeah - sorry about that one. **
MR. KRAMER **
Just brass again. **
To Ryan’s left, a whisper-- **
TRUMPETER
Ry...
Ryan turns. Visible as a silhouette through the frosted glass of the main door...is FLETCHER. Andrew turns and looks as well. Tenses up.
Fletcher lingers outside. Then he walks on. Ryan turns back to the Trumpeter.
RYAN
Not today.