My high school orchestra director, Mr. D., gave me a ride home one year from All-State Orchestra. Or, he eventually did, at least, after getting together for drinks with the All-State conductor and another orchestra director. It was interesting for me to watch three conductors one-up each other in their stories.
"I remember waiting forever to receive that music," one conductor said.
"And I remember waiting forever for the payment for it," another responded.
The three of them had a seemingly good time, laughing at each other's memories.
After the other two conductors left, Mr. D. said to me, "That's known as penance time in the business."
