--By Little S at 5 years old

One day, Sparky saw a sign hanging from a tree.  The sign said: “There will be a violin contest on January 2nd, Saturday night.”

“Wow!” said Sparky. “I want to be in it. I want to be in first place! I will ask my violin teacher.”

She went to her violin teacher’s house with her mom. Her violin teacher said: “First, you need to practice a song that you are good at.” 

So, Sparky went to find a piece of music to play.  The first one sounded like this: “Dee…Dum…Dee…Dee…” It was too high. The next one sounded like this: “Dong…Dong…Dee…Dee…” It was too low.  The last one sounded like this “Dee…Dee…Lee...Lee…Low…La…” it was perfect! But Sparky always made mistakes.  She had to practice a lot.

So, she played again.  Then it sounded like this “Do…Da…La…Bang…Bang…” It did not sound right.  Sparky was so sad.  Tears rolled down her cheeks.

“Don’t worry!” said her violin teacher.  “You just need to practice more.” “Practice makes perfect!” explained her mom.

“All right, Sparky.  Let’s go.” said her mom. “Ok.” said Sparky.  After they got home, Sparky went to practice.  “Lunch time!” called her mom.  “I’m coming!” replied Sparky.  “But first, listen to me playing my song! Doo…Doo…Ding…Ding… Dun…Dun…Dun…Dun…Dee!”

Finally, it was time for competition! Sparky was scared.  “So many people are going to watch you.” said her mother. “It is going to be OK!” They went to the competition room.  Sparky had a funny feeling in her tummy.  She was nervous. It was time for Sparky to go on stage.  Sparky won first place.