Jay Versus the Saxophone of Doom

by Kara Kootstra

  And suddenly, it dawns on me.

  I’m not alone. Ben, Kaylee, my mom and dad, Mrs. Jennings…in a way, they’re kind of like my…musical teammates. Wow, does that read as lame as it sounds in my head? It’s possible I am losing oxygen blowing into this thing, so be prepared to call for help if it comes to that. But it’s kind of true. In different ways, they’ve all helped in getting me to this point. I mean, a few months ago, I wouldn’t have thought I could even HOLD a saxophone properly, much less actually make a sound out of it, and yet here I am.

  I look out at my classmates again, desperately wanting to tell Mrs. Jennings that I don’t care if I fail my test, that nothing is worth this kind of embarrassment, that I’m going to leave this terrible classroom and never come back.

  But I’ve never been the type of person to let my team down.

  So I try again. This time, I focus on all the things my teammates have taught me. Proper grip. Deep breath. Embouchure. Try my best. Enjoy the journey. (I still don’t really get that one, and this journey has not exactly been what I would call “enjoyable,” but whatever.) And after a few more squeaks, I’m sorta-kinda-in-the-very-loosest-sense-of-the-word playing. I’m actually playing the saxophone! It’s not perfect, it’s probably not even good, but it’s close enough. I’m pretty sure I finish on the wrong note, but I don’t care. I played the saxophone. Did you see me everyone? Cheer for me! Throw flowers at my feet! Hoist me up on your shoulders and shout that I’m number one! I’m number one!

  I look up from my music stand so that people can give me the praise that I am due, but no one does or says anything. In fact, barely anyone is even looking at me. The kids in the back row are passing notes, and everyone in the woodwind section is whispering among themselves and giggling occasionally. But you can always count on Mrs. Jennings, who is grinning ear to ear, clapping ferociously, and looks like she might even be a little teary-eyed.

  So there’s that.

  From the look on her face, I feel confident that I am not going to fail my test, and it also appears that I will not be the laughingstock of the school. (Well, not because of the saxophone. There is still a whole bunch of other stuff that I’m terrible at. Look out for the sequel.) As I sit down and put my saxophone into the case, I have to admit that it feels pretty good to accomplish something that I thought was impossible. I mean, don’t get me wrong, the saxophone is terrible. And if I ever have to see another saxophone in my entire life it will be too soon. Like, if it wasn’t school property, I would run over my saxophone with a car, back up, and then run it over again. All of that being said, I did what I set out to do, and I’m not going to lie, I feel pretty good about it.

  A good story should always have some kind of moral in it, like “believe in yourself” or “make your dreams come true” or “work together as a team.” I suppose I should leave you with something like that, but even though all of that stuff is true, I’m not really an “inspirational quote” kind of guy. And even though I didn’t totally screw up my Music test, I’m not a saxophone guy, either.

  “You wanna go out to the bay after school to shoot some pucks?” Luke is asking as I shut my saxophone case.

  “Do you even have to ask?” I respond with a smile as we leave the classroom and all of my musical troubles behind.

  My name is Jay Roberts, #4.

  And I’m a hockey guy.

  Final score:

  Dear Reader,

  Although this is meant to be a humorous story, there are three very real truths I hope came across as you read these pages.

  First of all, no matter how good you are at something, there will always be other areas in life in which you will struggle. Hockey came fairly naturally to me, while other things did not. A little bit of struggle and conflict is good for a person—it helps to shape their character.

  Second, and I believe this very strongly, passion is one of the most important components of life. When you find that “thing” that you are passionate about, hold onto it, and do whatever it takes to keep that passion alive.

  Finally, you will meet all different kinds of people in your life. Some will be in your cheering section and some will not. You cannot control how other people treat you, but you can control how you treat other people. Choose to be a person who is respectful, honest, and loyal. When you add those three things together and make them a part of you, they can lead to a lifetime of success.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  I am extremely grateful to Bobby Orr, for agreeing to let me do this project and for the wonderful afterword he contributed. Thank you for being the gracious, humble man I am proud to have Jay want to follow.

  Thank you to my amazing team at Penguin, especially Lynne Missen, who showed great patience with me during this process.

  I have many cheerleaders in my life, but none as loud as Gloria Trothen and Michelle Davidson who read my work, even the bad stuff. To the many others in my corner (Sandy Klassen, Sarah Plahcinski, and Kari Loscher, to name a few) your friendship and support is appreciated.

  To my incredible siblings, Laura, Erik and Tyler who helped shape this book’s content by participating in the craziness that was our childhood. (Once again, Erik—Laura and I are sorry about killing your imaginary friend.)

  Many thanks to my parents, Lynne and Vern, for allowing me to be the creative person I needed to be. (Even though at times it drove you crazy, like that time I failed grade 8 history.) Thank you to Pam and Tom Kootstra, my amazing in-laws who have supported this writing idea from day one.

  This book would have never been written if it wasn’t for my husband, Kyle, who gave me the push I needed. You believe in me, love me and don’t make me do laundry. Thank you. Nate and Claire, I think of you with every word I write.

  And finally, to God, the giver of every good and perfect gift, including the ideas and words used in this book.