Lily 9
Contains spoilers
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.