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I don’t have a lot of experience singing with other people, and this sounds like it would be a great way to learn.”
    I’m so surprised he’s up for it that I don’t really know what to say. “We practice on Sundays,” I say. “We don’t even have any performances lined up or anything. Right now we’re just doing show tunes and stuff. You might not like it.”
    He laughs. “Are you trying to convince me not to do it? At least let me give it a shot before you talk me out of it.”
    â€œSorry,” I say. “I’m just surprised that you agreed to do it.”
    â€œYou know,” he says, “the group could do a performance here sometime. Open mic means open to anyone who wants to get up and do a song or two.”
    â€œReally?” I say. “Don’t you think that kind of thing might not, I don’t know, fit in?”
    â€œYou’d be surprised,” he says. “Pretty much any kind of musical act you can imagine plays here for open mic. On one of the nights I played with my friends, there was an old-time banjo player and later an opera singer did an aria. The variety is what makes it fun.”
    I’ve never imagined that singing in choral could lead to performances in places like this. I’d kind of expected we’d be more likely to sing at school assemblies and ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
    â€œYou should mention that to Ms. Kogawa,” I tell him. “She’s the choir director.”
    â€œSo what made you join choral?” he asks.
    â€œI wasn’t planning on it,” I tell him. “I was pretty bummed out when I got rejected by Big Time , and I was thinking that I’d never try out again, and then Ms. Kogawa asked if I wanted to join. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that I could actually learn something and be better prepared for my audition next year.”
    â€œSo you think you’ll go back and try out again?” he asks.
    â€œYeah,” I say. “I’ve wanted to be on Big Time for years. If I can be better prepared next time, why not? Won’t you? Try out again, I mean.”
    â€œI doubt it,” he says. “I wasn’t doing it for the show. Not really. I don’t really care about Big Time . I just like to try out any new opportunity to play and perform.” He shrugs. “It was just one more place to sing.”

    I tell Ms. Kogawa about Keith on Tuesday when Tyler and I are in her class for extra help.
    â€œThat’s wonderful, Gerri!” she says. “I’ve been a bit worried that we’d have to go the whole year without a bass. You say this guy is musical?”
    â€œYeah, he plays a few instruments, and he writes his own stuff too. He’s going to come to rehearsal on Sunday.”
    â€œThat’s just great,” she says. “Speaking of writing, have either of you had a chance to think about our mashup?”
    â€œI haven’t had time,” says Tyler. “Between school, chorus and track, I’m too busy as it is. Besides, I’m sure the musical wonder will figure something out.”
    I smile. Musical wonder—that’s good.
    â€œWho is the musical wonder?” asks Ms. Kogawa.
    â€œCome on,” says Tyler. “Bernice. She’s way better than us.”
    â€œI don’t think so at all,” she says. “Bernice is very talented, but so are both of you. So is everyone.”
    Tyler just shrugs. “I guess so.”
    Ms. Kogawa looks at me. “Have you thought about performance pieces?” she asks.
    â€œNot really,” I say. “I don’t really understand how it works.” That’s not entirely true. I’ve been playing around with different songs in my head since Sunday, and I’ve actually had a couple of ideas of some tunes that would blend well together. I’m not confident enough to suggest them though. I don’t understand music theory,