In the early 1950s, two boys in the high school prep band start an after school jam session. Gary plays the saxophone and Don plays the trombone. It is open to all band members, and several others take part. Friendship between the two boys grows as they play on the same soccer team and baseball team. In high school, Gary meets Grace at a pep rally sock hop. The three enjoy an ongoing friendship that is threatened by separation anxiety and two altercations with violent men.