"Maybe they will be surprised when someone can really sing," Birungi said.

"I heard that." The closest judge beckoned imperiously. "Come forward and be judged!"

Marilyn walked out onto the stage.

"It's a valkyrie," one judge said.

"Don't be silly," another one replied, "What's the feminine of valkyrie?"

"It's already feminine," Marilyn grinned.

"Ah, like moose then," the first judge said.

"What are you going to sing," the student at the ...