MARTIN:

There's a ten-minute intermission. Would you like to go outside?

EILEEN:

Yes, I would. It's too hot in here. Let's have some fresh air.

MARTIN:

I thought they sounded very good, didn't you?

EILEEN:

I thought so. I'm sorry Mr. Aultham is retiring. He has done such a good job with the school.

MARTIN:

Even with Alan.

EILEEN:

Oh, come on. Alan isn't a bad musician.

MARTIN:

But this isn't his kind of music. I think Mr. Aultham is remarkable. He takes young people who aren't very interested and makes them into musicians. I really admire him.

EILEEN:

How long has he been with the school?

MARTIN:

Someone said he's been here for thirty years.

EILEEN:

Has he always taught high school students?

MARTIN:

I think so.

EILEEN:

I've never seen anyone better than he is with young people.

MARTIN:

You're right. Working with young people is a special talent, isn't it?

EILEEN:

I don't think I could do it. Of course, I don't have any musical talent. I mean I couldn't be a good teacher for children.

MARTIN:

Why not? You're very good with our children.

EILEEN:

But there are only two of them. I can't imagine working with a whole room full of children.

MARTIN:

That's why Mr. Aultham is impressive. Of course, we don't know what he was like thirty years ago. Maybe he wasn't very good then.

EILEEN:

I'm sure he was. He seems so calm and steady.

MARTIN:

But he can get excited when he needs to.

EILEEN:

You mean musically? The first number was very lively. It was thrilling.

MARTIN:

That's what I mean. He seems so calm, maybe even dull. But when he conducts the group, he comes to life. It's amazing, don't you think?

EILEEN:

I think anyone who can do that with children is amazing. Should we go back inside?

MARTIN:

Sure. We'll go slowly.

EILEEN:

What time will the concert be over?

MARTIN:

I suppose about nine-thirty, don't you?

EILEEN:

Can we have something to eat then? I didn't have any lunch today.

MARTIN:

Why not?

EILEEN:

I was too busy. You know how it is at this time of year.

MARTIN:

That's another thing I like about Mr. Aultham. It's his busiest time of the year, but he's completely calm. He must work with five or six different groups.

EILEEN:

Oh, he does. I think that's marvelous.

MARTIN:

Do you think he ever gets angry?

EILEEN:

Alan says he doesn't get angry.

EILEEN:

I'm going to enjoy this half even more. It's cooler now.

MARTIN:

Besides we'll hear more of Alan in this half.