Steady, separated notes fill Ashlynn’s make-shift practice room. Her fingers creep across the keys in a light, springy-fashion, exuding an air of mystery. The movements are precise from years of practice and are performed without conscious effort. She’s playing one of her favorite pieces,<a class="link link--external" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMdh6j1PiW8" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">Ständchen</a>. It never fails to engross her. The syncopation was difficult to master, but creates a feeling of unrest... in her opinion. After many arduous practices, not a single note is played out of time. A crescendo follows the melody line as notes rise in pitch. The chords progress, building up to something large.  As she’s about to place her fingers down, a shrill ring interrupts the phrase right before it reaches a climax.<br/><br/>Looking toward the door, she wonders which of her band-mates arrived first. Everything is set up, and ready to go. Her new preamp is sat on an end table, ready for recording. Olive colored eyes linger on the keyboard, downcast because the piece wasn’t played all the way through. Suddenly, her face lights up! Ashlynn came up with a few musical lines this past week. None of them are finished, but the group can discuss arrangements. Cosmic Challenge is still in its infancy, so they should establish an image and sound soon. The group should also arrange a demo C.D. when they’re ready. Maybe the phrases and rifts will help move things along. Everyone can decide on what they like, and what should be thrown out.<br/><br/>Standing up, she heads toward a panel beside her door and presses the intercom button. After confirming whose outside, she buzzes the guys in, and rushes toward them to help unload equipment.<br/><br/>“I can take the mics and cords. Set everything in the practice room. It’s hard to miss, my keyboard is in there.”