>You wait with abated breath.
>Finally, they stop talking and turn to the three of you.
>”After careful consideration, and much discussion. We have decided to give the first chair to Connie Amore.”
>It’s hard to contain yourself after hearing those words.
>So you internally cheer.
>Each solo, each piece was a challenge.
>You were worried at first, you had been pushing yourself very hard for this.
>It all culminated in this weird burst of energy you have had as of recent.
>Makes you feel like you could do anything, and you did.
>The other two members who auditioned trot away, leaving you with the judges.
>Maestro Quiet Note gives you a soft, but stern, look.
>”Now then, Ms. Amore, I’d like to make it very clear, this is a very important position.”
>You give a large smile, it’s hard to hold back.
“I fully understand Maestro, I look forward to proving I can handle this.”
>She nods slowly with the other judges.
>”I hope so, this is a very stressful position to undertake. You are second to me, and therefore, have to handle pre-concert tuning and determining the bowings of all the violins in the section.”
>She has nothing to worry about, but you have to assure her.
“I wouldn’t have auditioned if I wasn’t sure Maestro.”
>Quiet Note gives you a look, but nods.
>”The next two weeks shall be your probation period. After which, we shall determine if you shall keep this position.”
>You nod, she is too worried about all of this.
>Nothing can go wrong.
>”Now then, let us prepare for rehearsal.” 
>The judges start to move from their seats and head to their positions.
>You of course, are so full of energy.
>Can’t wait to tell all of your friends!
>Actually, you should throw a party!
>Later of course, time to smash this rehearsal.
>As your trotting to your new seat, Friedrich Stables approaches you.

>He also auditioned for first chair, but you just barely pulled ahead of him.
>”I suppose a congratulations is in order Connie.”
>Though he smiles, you can see he is a little upset.
>Of course, you know how to handle this.
“Thank you Friedrich. We both gave it our all, I look forward to you being my second.”
>He raises an eyebrow for a brief moment.
“As a matter of fact, I’d like to celebrate later this week. I’m going to invite the other members of course, but I’d like to invite you first.”
>Your words stun him, it’s not that shocking though.
>The time you have spent in this city has proven time and time again to turn the other cheek
>Or at least, show those who cause trouble that you are a great pony to be around.
>Then again, you could just knock their teeth out.
>Focus Connie, he is talking.
>”-just give me the time.”
>Not sure what he said, so you nod instead.
>You take your new seat to the maestro’s left.
>It’s hard not to feel so smug, but you earned this dammit.
>Every other pony takes their places and the new sheets are given out.
>You gloss over them quickly, recognizing some of the pieces.
>Bringing up your violin, you prepare yourself.
>Glancing over to Quiet, you wait for the signal.
>She carefully raises her wings, and begins the rehearsal as she gently moves them.
>You lead the violinists, and the other chairs do the same with their own.
>Each note hit, with near perfection.
>Of course, you can hear that not all of the violinists are completely on point.
>Will have to fix that after this piece.
>Slowly the song ends, and Quiet takes a moment.
>”Again.”
>Translation, somepony messed up their part.
>You lead on again with your section.
>Not a second wasted on thoughts, just following the music.
>This time things are better, but you know what you must do.

>The song ends, and you have to address the issues with your section.
“Somepony in the third seat is playing a C#, when clearly it needs to be a C.”
>You note some nods, not going to pick out anypony.
>At least not now, unless it’s needed.
>Looking back over, you can see the other sections are tending to their own.
>You wait of course for them all to finish up.
>As soon as they do, Quiet begins the next piece.
>This whole process takes time, but is quite normal from your own experience.
>Roughly two and half hours later, it finally ends.
>Not bad, but you know you can push your section to do better.
>Not that you’re better than them.
>They just need a little push to do better.
>You give a few critiques to some of the newer members to help them out.
>As everypony is putting away their things, you decide to talk to some others.
>One of the newest members looks a little frayed, not that you blame her.
>You remember when you first joined, you felt the same way.
“I think you did well, just need to practice of course.”
>She gives you a confused look before realizing what you mean.
>”Oh, well thank you.”
“It’s fine, I was the same way when I first joined.”
>She relaxes, and smiles.
>”Yeah, it is a bit much.”
>You give a smile in return.
“It will pass over soon enough, especially when we play together more. You’ll fall right in tune like the rest of us.”
>She nods, and you head off to talk some more before preparing to leave.
>Most of the other members are happy to chat.
>Though some are annoyed by how energetic you can be.
>In truth, it’s only recent that you’ve had this kinda energy.
>Part of you wonders if you should be concerned.
>Doesn’t matter, these changes have only helped you.
>You grab your case and saddle bags before leaving.
>Manehattan never looked so beautiful!
>Well, not since you first moved here.

>While you wouldn’t mind enjoying a nice trot to home.
>You have a party to plan out, letters to write, things to do!
>So you hail a taxi.
>A stallion pulls up with a taxi cart and waits for you.
>”Where to miss?”
>You climb in and give him your address.
>He takes off and while you’re riding with him, you figure you could chat.
“So, how is work?”
>He tilts his head a moment, realizing you’re talking to him.
>”Um, fine, I guess?”
“That’s good to hear, I just got first chair on the orchestra.”
>He is still moving along at a decent pace, but keeps talking.
>”Not sure what that is, but it sounds good.”
>You giggle, of course he doesn’t know.
>Not everypony knows the ins and outs of a orchestra.
“It’s a very important position, it means I’m charge of my section and can be the solo if needed.”
>He nods his head.
>”Oh, well then, that’s very nice.”
>Before you can continue, he stops in front of your apartment building.
>”Here’s your stop miss, that’ll be 10 bits.”
>You hoof over the bits, and a tip.
“Thank you for the ride. Have a wonderful day.”
>”You as well ma'am.”
>You step off the cart and start to move to the front door when he takes off.
>Part of you is certain he was hurrying along to avoid talking.
>He must be busy.
>You get your mail on the way up, no bills, nothing important.
>Well a few letters from friends of course.
>Making your way to your apartment and bounce in your step.
>You’re overjoyed to finally have earned this seat.
>Heading inside and set your things down.
>Such a wonderful apartment, and affordable to boot.
>You should celebrate, you can party with your friends later.
>There is always plenty of time, no worries.
>Opening up the hallway closet, you grab a bottle of wine and pop the cork.
“Ah, such a nice sound.”
>You take a sip, and feel great.
>Almost never drink, except on special occasions.

>Even then, it’s just wine.
>Of course, you need to do so much and soon.
>You set down your glass and start writing letters.
>First one is to your friend Eri.
>Need to tell her about how your success, and of course, see what she is up to.
>It takes no time, unlike usual.
“And, done! That was easy, hope to hear from her soon.”
>Few more letters to other friends and your done.
>Don’t really feel like eating either.
>So instead you decide to practice the pieces for this weeks concert.
>Not quite the same as playing with others, but you have to sharpen your skills.
>Despite what others tell you, it’s still not good enough.
>You should be able to play perfectly.
>Just have to keep at it.
>You sort out the sheets, and prepare to play.
“Hmm...How about this waltz? This should be a good warm up.”
>The song echo throughout your apartment.
>The neighbors never complain about it.
>If anything, you have received many compliments.
>You put in about six hours of practice each day now.
>Every since you started trying out for the first chair, you pushed yourself that much harder.
>Best of all, you have had no ill effects.
>Taking a moment to grab a bite, you set down your violin.
“Not all that hungry, but I should eat anyways.”
>You take a quick look around the kitchen, throwing together some pasta.
>After you finish cooking, you refill your glass of wine.
“Wouldn’t have it any other way, though I should start to plan out the party of course.”
>You’ll have time for that later, so much more to do.
“I’ll just practice more, oh! I should write my teachers and thank them for helping this far.”
>You clop your hooves and let out a little cheer.
>Finishing up, you note it’s getting late.
“Well, I can squeeze in a few more things. Not like it’s going to be a problem or anything. I’m certain tomorrow will go just as well as today.”