Lily 9

Summary

• Lily reflects on gendered associations in everything, including musical instruments.
• She observes that even in the high school orchestra, instruments are largely gendered—brass played by boys, flutes by girls, etc.
• The first rehearsal of the Coös County Honors Orchestra commences at Adams High School.
• Mr. Pawlawski, the conductor, introduces the music pieces for the semester, including works by Holst, Borodin, John Williams, and Prokofiev.
• Dirk Anderson, a hockey player, has been selected to narrate Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf."
• The orchestra's first attempt at playing the John Williams piece is poor, leading to frustration from Mr. Pawlawski.
• Lily reminisces about choosing to play the cello in third grade and recalls the social isolation she felt growing up.
• Her mother bought her a puppy named Boris to alleviate her loneliness.
• After rehearsal, Dirk attempts to flirt with Lily, but she is saved by Asher Fields who pretends to be her partner.
• Asher leaves, and Lily and Maya, the oboist, strike up a friendship, planning to play music together.
• Lily leaves rehearsal feeling hopeful, grateful for her new friendships, and with a secret fondness for Asher's protectiveness.