Chapter 123 - 122: Working On The Melody I
When they entered the room, Serena gave Leonard and Geoffrey a piece of paper each.
"as you can see, written there are the lyrics of the song. The title is 'We are the world'. Please read through it carefully and see if you have any comments or suggestions."
After a while, the two had nothing to say. Serena's work was amazing, and they can't think of anything to add or improve.
"I have nothing to add, and my only comment is that this is really good." Geoffrey said admittedly. What else can he say?
"Yes Serena, this is already brilliant."
Serena expected nothing else. The song was a worldwide commercial success which topped the music charts throughout the world. It even became the fastest-selling US pop single in history. The first ever single to be a certified multi-platinum. She could only hope that they can do it justice.
Anyway, hearing their words, Serena nodded her head then sat in front of the piano.
"Okay you two please listen carefully. Geoffrey, Leonard is more familiar with how we do this. Last time, he helped prepare the sheet music for my first song. He and Charlton also improvised and added a lot of melodies to make it sound better. You heard me last time in the music class and if you tried listening to the one on record, you would notice that in comparison to my original, they were able to improve it by leaps and bounds."
"Yes, I did listen to it and I must say that you are correct. I'm ready." Geoffrey said having a blank sheet music prepared.
Leonard also stood by the side and had his sheet prepared.
"Alright." Serena agreed as she started pressing the keys.
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Leonard and Geoffrey were able to write the basic melody Serena had in mind on each of their sheet music after she played and sang the lyrics of the song a couple of times. It was a grueling process, and it was just the most basic outline.
After, Serena stood up to let Leonard sit on the stool in front the piano. He started playing the keys trying to come up with the introductory melody.
"No, I want it to have more presence. We need to strike a chord in the listener's heart and grip their attention especially at the beginning." Serena remarked.
Leonard shook his head. He just can't come up with anything more.
"Here, let me try." Geoffrey said. It was already nearing 4 in the afternoon and they haven't even moved from there.
Leonard stood up and let Geoffrey sit. He shook his head. Serena was totally different from the first time they worked together. However, he understood that this song places more pressure on her shoulders.
Serena still shook her head. "No, that's just not it. Anyway, sorry to the both of you if I am being too demanding. Perhaps we should move on to the next part? Let's get back to the introductory melody later."
"Okay." Geoffrey agreed. Then he started playing the melody of the first line.
Serena nodded along, hoping that working on the harmony later would be easier for them. Although the voice of the singer would be given more importance during that part, it doesn't mean that they can skimp on the harmony. Also, when it's time for the chorus it would become troubling again. After Geoffrey played the whole song, he stared at her to know what she thinks.
Serena sighed. "I think I should break the lines first. I was planning to have a lot of people singing with us. I'm thinking somewhere between 18-24. About 2-3 representatives from each kingdom. What do you two think?"
"The more people involved the more difficult. However, I understand the importance of having them sing with us." Leonard replied.
"I think the number you're looking at is okay. But, let me look through the list of students this year first." Geoffrey said.
"alright. You can opt not to limit it to just the students. I was also thinking of inviting Teacher Grace to sing. She will be a great addition as she is a princess and is well known.
Geoffrey nodded his head.
"Anyway, we should call it a day. We're all tired and we still need to go to the orphanage tomorrow. Perhaps we can get some inspiration for the melody once we get some rest." Serena decided. It would not be helpful if she were to keep asking them to produce better results. It was just the first day and they still have roughly 2 months to work on it.
Leonard was a little dissatisfied but knew that Serena was right. "Okay."
Geoffrey also agreed as he saw how tired Serena looked since morning.
"We can work on this again next week. Ugh… I just recalled that the music evaluation is already this coming Friday. Geoffrey, we haven't rehearsed for that and have not even plotted our schedule. When should we meet again?"
Geoffrey shook his head, if he thought he was busy, then just look at Serena. He never thought she had so much on her plate. He wanted to hit himself when he remembered the time that he still had his prejudice. She was brilliant, beautiful and every bit perfect. Yet, she was still not kind to herself as if she was the epitome of a person living in Eudaimonia as Aristotle says, pushing herself to her limits, never done in proving herself, endeavoring to strive for excellence.
He wanted to tell her that there was no need for that as she was already perfect. Why was she so hard on herself? She should get some rest. At that moment, he wanted nothing more than to hold her in his arms. However, Leonard was there, and he was not sure if she would accept him.
"When are you available?" he asked. The least that he can do is let her choose the date.
"I think that there would be not much assignment next week as the midterms just ended, so I am available any day after dismissal. How about you?"
"Same. We can meet twice, based on our last rehearsal, I think we can already do well. Perhaps Tuesday and Thursday."
"Alright, let's pen that in."
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TBC