Calvin exccels in chemistry and competes for a statewide research award. But when he resonds to teachers and classmates who urge him to conduct the chorus, he loves it. His high school years are packed with challenges --- trying to understand his long time special friendship with Lucy, pursuing chemistry experiments, tutoring math in a precarious situation, losing his mother's attention as she considers a second marriage, and enjoying his love of music as he is introduced to conducting choirs and playing the organ. Calvin develops a method for thinking through problems and learns to respond by listening to and supporting his friends. Calvin enters college focused on STEM courses, yet is soon confronted with other choices.