! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Science Music Translation

ACSO Animal Cell Symphony Orchestra Cell Orchestra Ribosomes Musicians Chromatin Sheet music that tells the musicians what to play Nucleus - Conductor Nucleolus Conductors baton Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) CD recorders Gogli Apparatus CD Sellers Lysosomes Orchestra Hall janitors Mitochondria The conductors score Vacuoles - Music Library Cytoskeleton Stage Microtubes/Microfilaments = Curtains Centrioles Orchestra Manager and Coordinator. (The Board)

Plot Explanation/Relation to Science

The ACSO is about to undergo a strike! The Musicians are becoming furious that theyre not getting paid enough for all of their extremely hard work. They believe that they deserve more for all of the time and effort they put into perfecting their music. With an abundance of musicians on the picket-line, the conductor, Dr. Nick Leos must find a way to satisfy his musicians within the ACSO budget! In this situation, the musicians are on strike because of low wages and not enough money. Therefore, the orchestra will keep on getting smaller and smaller if people keep quitting, and they wont be able to perform their music! I tried to relate this situation to hypotonic osmosis, and how if a cell looses too much water, itll die out and wont be able to function correctly. The musicians in this story have to work together to make progress, very much like how the organelles in a cell must work together.

"!

A Very Merry Cell Orchestra

After playing two-hundred-and-twenty-eight-thousand dollars to attend the Julliard School, I deserve more than this. Rebecca Somner, Principal Flute for the AC Symphony Orchestra complained to her friend, Samantha. In the quiet Boston coffeehouse, Sam nearly spat out her latte saying, What!? Julliard is over two-hundred-thousand?! Hearing about the money that her childhood best friend had to pay for her schooling was shocking! Yes! Fifty-seven thousand a year! Rebecca rolled her eyes. Were getting fed up. The ACSO Board doesnt understand how much work weve put into this all. After a few moments of silence, Sam sat up and said, The solutions simple just go on strike. Rebecca laughed, I cant do that! They need me, my parts are so important for the Home for the Holidays concert next week, and thats been an annual concert for twenty-four years! No, you dont get it, Samanthas eyes were gleaming with excitement from her newfound idea, If youre as important as you believe, this Dr. Leos guy must know he needs you, and if you go on strike right now, the board will have to give you more money, since youre such a necessity! Although the idea did make sense, Rebecca couldnt simply see herself doing that. It seemed wrong to her, although she was getting fed up with the lack of money she receives from this full time job. I dont know I guess itd work, but Im not sure if Im comfortable with that. It feels like Im scamming them. Talk to some of your orchestra friends about it though. I think itd be a perfect plan. Sam grinned as if she had discovered a cure for a disease.
! #!

But if I demand more money, then someone else must be paid less money, right? The little angel on Rebeccas shoulder was telling her no, however the devil on her other shoulder was whispering for her to follow through with the plan. I dont feel comfortable doing that, especially around the holiday season. Who cares, Becca? Do they not know how many expenses you have? Youre always complaining about how much these flutes and piccolos are, and about your apartment payments, and do you not have a family to buy Christmas presents for as well? Sam sipped her coffee, knowing that she was right. You deserve more, you work your butt off! Youre right. Do you ever doubt me? Samantha laughed. Rebecca smiled shyly and knew what she had to do. I guess Ill talk to some other ACSO performers tomorrow and see what we can do. The next morning, Rebecca woke up and followed her normal schedule. She showered, ate, and was out the door, heading down Main Street to get to the recital hall. There, she took her spot behind the violins and in front of the clarinets and began playing. The first oboe gave the tuning a note and the cacophony began to start as the strings and winds echoed the note, then warming up on their own, playing different notes of the a major triad. Orchestra was usually the greatest thing in the world, but lately, Rebecca had been feeling a little distant she smiled and greeted everyone happily, however she felt a little useless, unappreciated. She knew she wasnt alone, for the look of disappointment couldve been found on multiple faces. The ACSO conductor, Dr. Nick Leos greeted the orchestra enthusiastically and they began to work on O Holy Night, which featured the Chicago Childrens Choir.

$!

A couple hours into rehearsal, twelve oclock hit and they were out for lunch. In the orchestra halls cafeteria, Rebecca usually sat with the clarinets, horns, oboes, and bassoons of the orchestra. They were all talking about the music that theyre working on, however, they knew something was wrong with Rebecca. Clarence Romo, the second clarinet, looked to his left and saw Becky, and he could instantly see the disappointment in her face. Whats wrong? He muttered to her. Its nothing. Rebecca sighed. Nah, something different with you Becca, McKenna Schwann, the oboist noted. Rebecca tried to fake a smile and change the subject, but her colleagues knew something was wrong. After looking around the cafeteria awkwardly, Rebecca was able to word what she was trying to say correctly. Okay I dont want to sound ungrateful, because this is a great symphony and I love being a part of it but lately, Ive been feeling like Rebecca stuttered, Oh, thisll sound so childish, but Ive been feeling a little unappreciated lately. I feel like they dont recognize all of the hard work we put in to make this ensemble sound wonderful. The other musicians sat in silence for a moment, thinking about what the flute player had just said. I kind of agree, Clarence said. Looking around to make sure no one important was listening, the second horn, Joseph Righi leaned in and said shamefully, Honestly, Ive been late on my apartment payment for the last couple weeks. My landlords getting super mad and Im not sure if I can keep up with all the money I owe him. The musicians, one by one, sat and shared their financial issues with one another. They all seemed a little ashamed, but serious. Theres just nothing we can do about it. Our salary is set and we shouldnt really complain McKenna said doubtfully. No, there is something we can do Rebecca paused midsentence for a second, Lets go on strike.
! %!

What? McKenna gasped. We cant do that with the holiday concert just around the corner! No, no, no! Thats more of a reason to go on the picket-line! Rebecca whispered quickly. Shes got a point Clarence agreed. Just what if they cant negotiate with us? Autumn Marbassi, the bassoonist asked. Then I guess they have to find a whole new wind section in ten days Becca laughed. Yeah, theyre desperate for us. Clarence noticed, Once we leave, theyll really notice how much they need us. Its like that saying, you dont know whatcha got until ya loose it? Exactly! Rebecca squeaked excitedly. So whos in? Clarence asked. I am for sure. The other oboist said. I think its a great idea! The third flute, Ryan Toller agreed. Sure! We have too! Autumn added. Id love to! Joseph said. Im not sure McKenna was too perfect to try something like this. She was not only perfect, but realistic. What if they actually can find a new wind section and were fired? None of them had thought about that, and before they began loosing supporters, Rebecca said, McKenna, you were just complaining about how you cant afford that English Horn we could all use more money from the ACSP Board. Be the change youd like to see. McKenna began to bite her fingernails nervously. After thinking to herself for a moment, she sighed and gave in, Fine. The group of musicians then began to plan how theyd go on strike. None of them had been familiar with the action, but they thought they could work together and eventually get a better pay. They had ten days before the holiday concert and they believed that if they could work efficiently, the ACSO would see big changes.
! &!

After that Tuesday afternoon lunch, they worked nightly at Rebeccas house until Saturday, making signs and posters. However, they mostly prepared what they wanted to say to the board. Clarence was able to make a few calls and get them a meeting with the AC Symphonys Managers and financial consultants. They were able to find a few more people to join their striking group as well. Victor Ueland, the music librarian also had a few words to say to the board. Music librarians have a lot of work, believe it or not. Not only do we have to buy any scores or parts that Dr. Leos wants, but we also have to go through every single instrumental part and make sure its suitable for our orchestra. Ive spent countless hours preparing your guys music, and they dont care to pay us much at all! He had complained to Rebecca and McKenna one evening. Also, they recruited CD Recorder and Sellers, Emily Hentback and Rose Clearwater. They spend hours working on CD cover art and designs to make the ACSO look good, and they also feel underappreciated. Well thank you, everyone for helping. I feel like we can really change their viewpoint of us, I have a lot of hope in us! Rebecca smiled at all of her orchestra friends. Before they actually used the signs they had made to picket the orchestra, they brought up the issue of their wages to Dr. Nick Leos, the conductor. Id love to help you guys, but honestly, I have nothing to do with the pay and benefits of the orchestral musicians. Im very sorry, but I do wish you the best of luck on your meeting with the ACSO Board! He had replied in his deep, professional voice. Rebecca had hoped that Dr. Leos could put in a good word for them, but she didnt want to make him feel compelled to say anything. As that Friday afternoon went on and on, the gossip of this strike began to spread throughout the ensemble. Whispers would

'!

flutter and fly through the musicians as fast as lighting, and many instrumentalists began to stare at Rebecca. Rebecca and McKenna were leaving the hall when a group of string players asked them if they could help in anyway with the strike. The two were enthused that the gossip had had a positive effect, and were delighted to inform their colleagues that they can help. They told Rebecca that theyd each prepare something to say to the board that following day, and they were all determined to get better pay for everyone! That next morning, Rebecca woke up nervously. She was very scared for the upcoming afternoon who could predict what the highly-respect adults would say to these young musicians asking for more money? What if they were all fired? Well, todays the big day! Joseph greeted Rebecca in the Orchestra Hall lobby. I know Im so nervous. Rebecca muttered. Same, but I think theyll be able to hear us out at least. Hopefully, we just have to work together with them. We need to make a compromise. The other petitioners began to join the two of them and they were headed to the second story of the building, where the board meeting was going to be held. Rebecca had managed to get a total of twenty-eight people together to talk to these old, rich, whiskey-drinking men. At least one third of the orchestra had the courage to ask for what was needed. As 2:45 hit, the group of young professionals walked into the conference room, as professionally as they could. There, the ACSO Board greeted them. Rebecca was thankful for their courteousness. Anyone want something to drink? Water? Lemonade? Cola? The ACSO President, Dr. Carlton tried to break the ice. None of the musicians felt comfortable replying, so they all just shook their heads politely.
! (!

So what brings you fine young woman and gentlemen hear today? Asked the tall, grey-haired man. His face represented that of someone superior. He looked as if he was destined for such a high role. No one wanted to talk first, so Rebecca just flat out said, We feel we arent paid enough for all of the work that we put into your marvelous orchestra. Is that so? Asked Dr. Carlton. The other old men and women looked at the group of young musicians, then looked at each other, and then at the performers. Yes, sir. We ask of you better wages and benefits. Clarence added. Benefits? What sort of benefits? Asked a lady in a dark suit jacket. Mostly more paid vacation time. Were quite pleased with our health benefits, that is. Responded Clarence. The meeting went on for about an hour. They had quietly and respectfully argued back and forth about wages and vacation time. Most of the musicians were given the opportunity to stand up and tell their own story, of how theyre struggling to afford their apartment, how theyll have to cut out Christmas expenses this year, or how they cant pay back their college loans quick enough. However, the board seemed rudely uninterested. They came to the final conclusion that they cannot afford to pay the musicians more, and they said that they appreciate their hard work, but theyre simply financially unable to help them. Everyone was so let down that the board didnt want to help them. They had so much hope for their cause, but sadly, the board didnt even seem that interested in listening to them, let alone finding the funds to pay them what they deserve. But that wasnt the end for Rebecca Somner. She was determined to get what she wanted.

)!

The next day, Rebecca convinced more members of the orchestra to go on strike in order to get higher wages. Some people were scared, but others were enthused. Not only were they able to get orchestra musicians to hold the posters on the picket-line, they were also able to get the staff of the Orchestra Hall to help the performers. Everyone agreed that they werent being paid enough, and it seemed that people were very eager to help their cause. Finally it was Friday, December 22nd, the ACSOs big Home for the Holidays! Christmas concert. Instead of the musicians going backstage in their elegant dress gowns and tuxedos, they help up their poster with pride outside of Orchestra Hall, telling all of the concert attenders that the ACSO Board didnt want to listen to their stories of how theyve had to sacrifice from not being paid what they deserve! Dr. Leos and the board were frantically trying to get their orchestra back inside! It was snowing and the musicians were blocking the doors for all of the concert-goers to enter the warm building! The ACSO reputation would be ruined after their most famous concert of the year! Stop! Stop! Cried out Dr. Leos. Stop! Let them in! Get on stage! Go warm up! We have a concert in less than a half hour! Were not performing tonight, Dr. Leos. Rebecca stated, firmly. What are you talking about?! This concert is attended by hundreds of families, you guys know that! Everyones going to be here tonight! Dr. Carlton shouted. Sir, we are sorry but we refuse to play until you guys notice how much you need us. We deserve more for everything we do for your precious orchestra. Clarence stood up to the powerful adults. The musicians continued to chant and wave their posters, as confused concert-attenders and pedestrians tried to walk through them. Dr. Leos and the board went backstage, only to find five members of the orchestra standing alone in the warm-up room.
! *+!

We cant perform this show with five violins! Dr. Leos shouted in anger. What did you tell those poor kids?! The truth. That we simply cannot afford to pay them more. Dr. Carlton brushed dust off of his Versace suit jacket. Really? Is that the truth? Dr. Leos glared at his boss. You cannot afford to give these amazing, talented young people a paycheck that they deserve, yet you can find it in your budget to attend luxurious parties weekly, and drive Bentleys and Mercedes? Does that sound fair? Dr. Carltons face became red with anger. He took a couple deep breaths to collect himself, and then said, That was out of line. No. That was the truth. Dr. Leos folded his arms. Now do you want this concert to happen or not? The other board members looked astonished by what they had just witnessed. Dr. Carlton was embarrassed and began to whisper to his colleagues. Dr. Leos feared for his job in that moment. Just as he thought they were going to fire him, the lady in the dark suit jacket turned and said to him, Get them in here, now. Tell them that we will give them as much money as we possibly can. Promise them high wages by fifteen percent, at least. Thank you. So much. I know they really appreciate it. Dr. Leos was so grateful that he could bring his musicians back in. He jogged past Dr. Carlton and ran out through the lobby and into the snowy outdoors. He told Rebecca what the board had promised, and they were able to rally the ACSO back inside. Everyone hurried to get dressed; they pulled out instruments and headed to the stage. All the concert attenders were able to come inside the warm hall and were treated to some nice hot chocolate. As the violins and cellos and basses and violas bowed across their strings, the trumpets blared the melodies as the marimba lightly echoed the flutes. The glorious runs into passages of traditional Christmas pieces beautifully screamed throughout the
! **!

hall. Everyone in that room shared this feeling of peace accomplishment excitement and most of all joy.

*"!