True Story, An Embarrassing Moment

True Story

In my Junior year of high school, our school hired a student teacher to help with our music program.

His name was Mr. Tea, and he was gorgeous. He had curly blonde hair, button brown eyes, and a mustache. I developed an instant crush on him. Naturally, when I found out he was holding semi-private lessons for the trombone, I jumped at the opportunity!

One day after school, my friend Greg and I were working through a difficult run of eighth notes in a march called “Black Horse Troup.” Greg, being the better player, had already mastered the cluster of black menaces, while I was still struggling. Mr. Tea, of course, was patient and took me through the passage note by note.

I just couldn’t get it. I don’t know if I was distracted by Mr. Tea’s handsomeness, or unable to grasp the complexity of the music. Either way, I sucked. My friend Greg, trying to lighten the mood a little, said “That sounds more like Black Horse Poop!”

I started laughing hysterically, and when I did, a huge booger flew from my nostril and landed on my right leg.

The room went silent.

I looked at the booger in horror and ran from the room, red faced and trying not to cry.

Luckily, neither Mr. Tea nor Greg mentioned my mucous mishap. I guess it was our nasty little secret! It took me a while before I could look at either one of them, though.