The Orchestra Presentation That Got My Head Spinning | Creative Nonfiction #73

I arrived at the school hastily on the day I resumed. During the interview session, there were many applicants, including me. So, I felt very happy when I received a text message and a letter telling me that I have been picked as the most successful from the interview that was conducted.

On the day I was to resume at the school, I woke up very early, took my bath and ate breakfast as early as I have never done for over a decade. I wanted to appear great, smart and ready to go the mile. At exactly 7:00 o'clock AM I was standing at the gate of the school. A few of the students could be seen around, engaging in some discussion of some sort. What I heard was the EPL match between Manchester City and Manchester United.

I walked up to the receptionist who offered me a seat and asked me to wait for the head of school. From where I sat, I could see the different beautiful work of art on the wall. Beautiful pieces of art and a serene environment can certainly enhance teaching, no doubt.

Good morning, sir.

A student who came in with the head of the school's bag greeted as she dropped the bag on the table and exited the office while the head of the walked in, shoulders high in the air. From my seat, I rose and greeted:

Good morning, ma'am.

She looked back like she didn't see me when she walked in.

Oh! You are here already.

With a smile from her dry cheeks, she spoke.

Yes, ma'am. I think the first impression lasts longer.

She smiled again and said:

I hope you'll keep this tempo.

In my mind, that may be difficult to maintain but I was going to give it a try.

When she had settled in, we started discussing the remuneration. This discourse most of the time. When we finalized the discussion, she assigned me an office and introduced me to all the learners and staff, both teaching and non-teaching staff.

Then, my work started in earnest. My first mission was to go around the classes to see how the learners were fairing and to get intimate with them. After the first two classes, where I got a warm welcome, I entered grade four class and this happened.

The learners were all set with their recorder. As soon as I stepped in, they all rose in unison and blared their recorder to a sonorous rhythm

Oh! When The Saints

🎼 d m f s(3x)
m d m r- f m r
T-R-D

My head spinned as the orchestra displayed such talents. I haven't seen children of that age exhibit such expertise. They blew their flutes with such confidence that I became almost shy but as an adult I had to put myself together and greet the whole class when the welcome music had stopped playing.

After touring the whole class, I decided to retire to my office. I started to reflect on all the activities of the learners in different classes. It had been different from what Inhad experienced in my former workplace. One major difference here is that the building is purpose-built with state-of-the-art facilities.

While working on some of the statutory documents, a league of students who.later turned out to be the school perfect paid me a visit in the school. It was yet another moment that got my head spinning in amazement. They spoke with so much confidence and respect to welcome me to the school. It was such a privilege to have been appointed as the principal of a school of such magnitude.

I didn't show it in my character that the school is bigger in every aspect than where I was coming from.

• All images used in this publication are mine. Permission must be gotten before public use.