Sarah's heart was pounding so hard she was sure everyone in the room could hear it, but her voice stayed steady. "I know it's difficult, but I've been practicing it and I think I can play it well."
Other students had started arriving for their auditions. Jessica walked in carrying her music folder, followed by Marcus and three other advanced students. They all stopped talking when they heard the conversation between Sarah and Mrs. Henderson.
"Where did you even get the sheet music for that piece?" Mrs. Henderson asked.
"I found it online," Sarah said simply.
Mrs. Henderson looked around the room at the other students, then back at Sarah. Her expression was a mixture of concern and frustration. "Sarah, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I cannot allow you to audition with a piece that is clearly beyond your abilities. It would be unfair to you and to the other students."
"But what if it's not beyond my abilities?" Sarah asked quietly.
The question hung in the air like smoke. Jessica and Marcus exchanged glances that said, "Is this really happening?"
Mrs. Henderson sighed deeply. "Sarah, I've been teaching music for twenty-five years. I know my students' capabilities. The 'Revolutionary Etude' requires technical skills that take years to develop. Students need to work up to that level gradually with proper instruction."
"Couldn't I just try?" Sarah interrupted, her voice stronger now. "If I can't play it, then I'll switch to 'Für Elise'. But couldn't you at least let me attempt it?"
The room fell completely silent. Everyone was looking at Sarah with expressions ranging from curiosity to pity. Jessica whispered something to Marcus that sounded like, "This is going to be painful to watch."