My Musical Identity Essay

Billy Joel said, “I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music” (Music Quotes). Whether we realize it or not, music affects our lives greatly. The only thing for us to question is how. How does music impact your life and the lives of others? What does music do for us? People of all ages benefit emotionally, physically, and academically from music.

Dance is one of the major things that defines my identity and it is an interest that had become so meaningful, that without it my application would be incomplete. This has been able to shape me throughout the years, from discipline and maturity all the way yo leadership and teamwork. I find dance as an art work, that it is easy to make mistakes and fall, you just have to learn from those mistakes and get up twice as strong as from where you started. Dance is to look above and beyond and just let everything fall into place without hesitation.

The auditions were in January of 2012. I did not know of the results of my performance, and neither did Mr. Carter. I began to put it off until for the rest of the day. I really did not know what to think. I believed that it was a successful audition, but my doubts had come into play, and the thought of it all started to just make me nervous. I mean, how could a child, who knew little about music, possibly accomplish such a

For as long as mankind has walked on this earth, music has been an important part of our culture and lifestyles. Each walk of life beats to a different drum. Different cultures use music for many aspects of their lives; for religious purposes, for celebrations, for comfort, for sorrow, for relaxation, for sports, for dances, for energy, for learning, for sleeping, and for sexual experiences. Everyone uses music for something. Music connects with people and reaches them in ways that words simply cannot. Music is a representation of what feelings sound like. It expresses emotion and brings that characteristic out from within us; it tells us a story. Every generation has its’ own sound and different music styles have emerged and become

The production process for “The Audition” was unlike any other show I’ve been a part of. The scenes were rehearsed and broken up into sections that were often blocked out of order, and other elements of the show like the dancing and singing, also started out as separate entities from the rest of the show. This came with multiple challenges, but many of them worked themselves out in the end. The dance and choreography was especially exciting for me, because it is something I enjoy and have a talent for. That being said, there were still challenges that came along with it. I had to learn how to teach dance to people who have never set foot inside a dance studio which is no easy task. Luckily, the more

Music has always played a governing role in my development during life. My first major connection with a song occurred when I was around nine years old. A majority of my time growing up was spent with my older sister, Melissa. We would always spend weekend nights in her bedroom with a group of her friends. I can vividly recall the setup of her room: the lights dimmed to an almost perfectly relaxed ambiance; a faint smell of vanilla and cinnamon (her favorite scents) from the candles burning on the dresser; and the television loud enough to hinder any outside noise. Often, these nights would consist of binge watching T.V. shows and story-telling among my sister’s friends, who at the time were much older than me. It was during one of these nights that a commercial came on, displayed by a channel called “VH1.” A music video came on the screen; The song was “How to Save a Life” by The Fray. As the song progressed the room was filled with the seemingly instinctual singing of her friends, almost up-to-par with the rhythm and

I may not have been a red-headed orphan, but my parents knew I had talent. With that being said, they put me in enrichment extra-curriculars to help embrace and develop my talents. By the time I was seven I was already signing myself up for all sorts of dance and singing camps. My mom constantly tells the story of the time I signed up for “Britain's Got Talent”. She laughs because we have not even visited Britain, let alone lived there; I was ten years under the age limit to even compete. I guess you could refer to me as a go-getter, at least my second teacher did. When I was in the fifth grade I heard a radio commercial for “Celebrity Star Event”, an acting camp run by Adrian R’Mante (he portrayed Esteban from Suite Life of Zack & Cody), I took my mom’s phone and dialed the number. They asked to speak with my guardian and I gave my mom the phone. I can remember squealing and telling her “just go with it!” My mom took me to auditions that following weekend and I was lucky enough to receive callback. I went to my callback and got told that I was accepted into camp and would be attending from the months of March-May in Laredo, and if I did good enough I could spend all

So I went and auditioned for the choir and got put into their 2nd level. Then in August choir started and I was an alto. That year I met a few kids in choir that were my

"I’m so nervous,” I complained to my mom as we walked into the Waukesha Civic Theatre. “What if I’m not good enough. I haven’t even prepared that much!” It was a crisp September day and some leaves had already started changing color. On the way home from school my mom told me about a play that the theater puts on near us every year and thought I would be good for it. Since I had only heard about the audition that day, it gave me a few hours to pick my song and be prepared for whatever part they wanted me to read. The next song that came on the radio was the song “Edge of Glory” by Lady GaGa and because it was in my vocal range I thought it would be good for me. Little did I know that this audition would change my view of theater.

I joined crew and painted sets, worked the curtains, helped the prop master, and was a stage hand. I did not audition until the fall of my junior year for A Christmas Carol. I received the part of the Ghost of Christmas Future and caroler. Then in the spring I auditioned and was given the role of Emily Parrish in Phantom of the Soap Opera the Musical. I also started auditioning for shows at Muncie Civic Theatre and got into The Little Mermaid Jr. and Once on this Island Jr. both in which I was chorus. Each time I stepped on that stage I experienced the same thrill. The same rush of jittery ecstasy that I experienced for Romeo and Juliet. I was addicted.

Three weeks after the Karaoke Night was the night of the Senior Show. The show consisted of two acts with a total of nine scenes. These nine scenes were done with a total of 12 actors, and three students who worked behind the scenes. The 12 actors had additional behind-the-scenes rolls, and six had more than one role to play in the show. These six included Hannah Browning and Daniel Herman.

born,my mother told me stories from when she was a professional singer and I longed to do the

In this report, I will expand upon what was spoken in the presentation by providing a more in-depth look at each section I talked about. The presentation was divided into six sections:

Music is one of the greatest human creations (DeNora, 2000). It plays an integral role in human society worldwide irrelevant of race, gender, age, wealth or well-being (Kemper & Danhauer, 2005). Indeed according to Batt-Rawden (2010), playing different music in diverse situations can introduce listeners to the desired and relevant atmosphere. In most circumstances, music is played to entertain people, but it can also form part of an accompaniment in sad situations. Music is often the fulcrum that influences the listener by creating a unique ambience and atmosphere (Bernatzky, Presh, Anderson, & Panksepp, 2011). Chamorro-Premuzic and Furnham, (2007) adds that music can be a medium to enhance communication,

When I get into fights with my step dad which to this day is still a problem instead of resorting to violence I would go and blare by favorite song at the time over and over again. Also after having a hard time in high school being wrongfully suspended twice instead of dropping out or giving up I had my bass to return home to home to sit for hours and write songs, hundreds of songs. The songs would relate to my feelings. Some songs would be hard full of hate and anger but some songs were mellow with sad heart filled lyrics. If it weren't for these songs to write I you would not be sitting here reading my paper. The girls in high school were also a reason for writing songs and playing trumpet. In all of my high school all my relationships I was cheated on. This caused for harsh break ups, uncalled for arguments, and an untrusting Nick Henry. High school years where trying times and if it wasn't for my music things would not have turned out they way they have.