New season optimism

In retrospect, the first day of high school orchestra class had an energy similar to the first day of baseball season.  A bit of time had passed since the players came together in pursuit of a common goal, so there was some partially justified and partially misguided optimism about the new season.  On that first day, the pressure is on, considering the clock is ticking.  However, the pressure is also off at the same time.  On the first day of orchestra rehearsal, the first concert is still off in the distance, so the players aren't expected to sight-read the music perfectly.  Similarly, the baseball season is so long that most fans will forgive at least a few early season losses.