About two months ago, I listened to a tape of a high school jazz ensemble rehearsal I hadn't heard in years. I was perplexed when someone whose voice I didn't recognize said, "Good job, Andrew!"
Had I just nailed a fast, difficult run in a piece we'd played? I don't think so, as it sounded like the conversation took place after rehearsal. Had I written something in my creative writing notebook that people found funny? Maybe, but again, I doubt it. We wouldn't have lingered after rehearsal long enough for anyone to read my notebook. Did I say something humorous or perceptive? Perhaps, but if so, nothing on the tape clues me in.
What on Earth elicited that compliment? For that matter, who said it? How do I not know both answers offhand? After all, that rehearsal was just--um, brief pause to do the math--36 years ago.
