The boy soon found plenty to fill his time and occupy his mind.  There was the school orchestra, in which he was able to take a prominent place.  There was daily practise, in which the boys learned the overtures and symphonies of Mozart and Haydn, and even Beethoven.  He loved best Mozart’s “Symphony in G minor,” in which he said he heard angels singing.  The leader of the orchestra was attracted to the lad’s playing the very first day he entered, for he played with such precision and understanding.  One day Franz mustered courage to talk a little to the big conductor, whose name was Spaun, and confessed he had composed quite a good deal already, adding he would like to do it every day, only he could not afford to get the music paper.  Spaun received this burst of confidence with sympathy, and saw to it that the boy was, in the future, supplied with the necessary music paper.

Franz had soon made such progress on the violin, that he began to take the first violin parts and when the conductor was absent he was asked to lead the orchestra.  Indeed by his deep earnestness and sincerity, as well as ability, the gifted boy had become a power in the school.  When he went home to see his people, which could only be on Sundays and holidays, it was a happy reunion for all.  If he brought home a new string quartet, the father would get out his ’cello, Ignaz and Ferdinand would take first and second violins and the young composer the viola.  After it had been played through, then all the players discussed it and offered their criticism.  Indeed Franz was composing at such an astonishing rate, that it was difficult to keep him supplied with music paper.  One of his works of this time was a fantasia for four hands, in twelve movements.  Then came a first attempt at song writing, a long affair which also contained twelve movements, and was in melancholy mood.

Five years the boy Franz Schubert remained at the Convict School and as he had decided to give himself entirely to music, there was no reason for his remaining longer in the school.  At the end of the year 1813, he left, and his departure was celebrated by the composition of his first Symphony, in honor of Dr. Lang, the musical director.  The lad, now seventeen, stood at the beginning of his career; he was full of hope and energy, and determined to follow in the footsteps of the great masters of music.  Of all his compositions so far produced, his songs seemed to be the most spontaneous.  He probably did not guess that he was to open up new paths in this field.

Hardly had he left the school when he was drafted for the army.  This meant several years of virtual captivity, for conscription could not be avoided.  The only other thing he could do was to return home and become a teacher in his father’s school.  He chose the lesser evil and qualified at once to become his father’s assistant, which would also assure him a certain amount of leisure.  We can imagine him installed as teacher of the infant class,