Violin Monster. Someday, I will find you.

Major orchestras provide a screen during auditions so that the panel of judges may not see the applicant. Within its first implications beginning in the early twentieth century, one trombonist earned first chair before the judges realized one trait differing from the other. She had a second X chromosome.

Even with her extraordinary talent, beating out all other male applicants, she was let go because there was no way that a woman could 'play as well as a man'. Even if she had already proven it.

Maybe this is why I am so enamored by the Violin Monster.

 He strolls around Ann Arbor, amongst other places, and tweedles out tunes for those who pass by. If you're one like me, the first time you see him you immediately grab the arm of the person you're walking with and mumble, "Turn around. Let's turn around. Just don't look at it. Turn around."
People like me are afraid of street performers though. Mostly just the ones that stand like statues. Just heebie-jeebies all over the place.

But ViolinMonster has his charms. In the fact that he is very charming. And he is exceptional at his trade. He is most gracious, allows photos, and welcomes listeners with open arms...er..paws?

I had heard him a few times but not once did I stop to listen because of my inane phobia. Life kind of smiled on me one day as I met him walking to class and saw his mask. I ran up behind him, not even passing by him like a normal person and definitely not thinking how creepy I would come off, and sort of half-yelled at him, "You're the ViolinMonster!" As if this guy walking around with a "Violinmonster.com" sign, violin, and mask didn't fully realize who he was.
"I am."
It took me a second to realize how this monster was very not monstrous at all. He was nicely dressed, warm and friendly and didn't seem to notice how out of breath I was from my two second sprint. Why was I afraid of him again?

We chatted for a half a second before I noticed that I was just saying, "I enjoy your playing so much." over and over again (Such an eloquent lady, I am, under pressure.) and I chose to hurry off, excusing myself to econ class.

Afterward I thought about how I did enjoy his playing (And how I really want a picture with him.) Even before I saw his face. He was the trombonist behind the screen. Only instead of boobs he has a real people face. I like his idea that the music is his focus and what he looks like is only a sideshow.

He sums it up in his own whimsical style on his website. When he's caught without his mask people, especially children--his main fans--, sometimes say, "But I thought you were real." to which he has replied, "I AM real--especially wild in your imagination."