A premiere seat in the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall during a performance of the Oregon Symphony provided a unique perspective. A man sitting with his arms crossed in the back corner of the stage caught my eye. The general stance of most performing musicians is one of alertness–ready to play the next note.

I feel as though I’m on an island way out in the ocean and no one knows I’m there. If they knew, they might try to get to me and help. But two things prevent this.