Article: FACING THE MUSIC CHRIS GRIFA AND JOEY MONAHAN HAVE HAD TO GIVE UP GIRLS, SPORTS AND OTHER INTERESTS IN THEIR QUEST TO WIN SPOTS IN THE STATE BAND. CAN THEY HANG WITH VIRGINIA'S TOP BRASS?(DAILY BREAK)

Byline: LANE DEGREGORY, STAFF WRITER

THE HALLWAY smells like spit and sweat and brass. Teen-agers slouch along the cinderblock walls, lounge on empty instrument cases, silently finger scales. Behind a dozen wooden doors, muffled melodies climb and crescendo.

Chris Grifa has always dreamed about this day.

At James Madison University, a four-hour drive from home, on a Saturday in mid-February. Walking down a dimly lit hallway toward Room 226. About to face the music.

The tryout will take only three minutes. Chris has been practicing for seven years - at least four hours a night for the past two. He's determined not to blow it.

...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!