My story begins in the school year of 2010-2011. I was a fifth grader, eleven years of age, at Santa Fe 5/6 Center. As per requirements we had to take a music class, and I knew that I could not sing, so an instrument it was. Most of that year I spent experimenting with wind and string instruments to find out if I belonged in band or orchestra. I was never really interested in any of the wind instrument so I atleast knew I was going to be in orchestra. The year ended with me being skeptical to if I should play an instrument or not.
With the next school year approaching fast I had to make my decision. A few days before sixth grade started, Santa Fe hosted a little music assembly for the students and their parents to come and enjoy music and also to provide instruments for the students to try out and possibly buy. I remember walking around a tad bit nervous looking for an instrument and that 's when I heard someone start playing the cello. I turned to look and saw a man, Mr. Stanley, who later I found out was my cello teacher, playing the cello. He played so beautifully it inspired me. The warm, rich tone of the cello filled the room and I remember almost everyone stopped what they were doing just to listen to him play. I think mother saw the glint in my eyes when I first listened to the cello and she knew that was my choice. After Mr. Stanley’s little performance was done, I approached him and bombarded him with questions. In the end Mother ended up buying a three fourths
It started when I was in the 6th grade A Man by the name of Mr. Williams showed up to my school and presented us with instruments out of all the ones he showed us I picked the clarinet for the start of my musical career. we only met up once a week but I did learn how to play and read all the basics. I continued on the clarinet for 2 more years but,I switch to saxophone in my second year of Middle School. it wasn't very difficult to make the switch because the saxophone and the clarinet are both woodwind instruments. The only difficulty
Like almost every other 3rd grader in my elementary school, when the enrichment program came to talk about joining the orchestra and band, I was fascinated. I admired the kids, not much older than me, who could play their instruments flawlessly and effortlessly. Immediately I knew that orchestra was for me, and I rushed home with a paper in hand begging my mom to let me take lessons at my school. Originally, I wanted to play the cello and pleaded with my mom to let me play one; I loved the deep, rich sounds of the strings. Instead, my mom convinced me to play the violin, a less expensive instrument and much easier to carry around than a cello.
Soccer, football, lacrosse, and basketball, just to name a few, allowed my two older brothers to display their talents. Sticking to what they knew, my parents attempted to involve me in some sport, but it was apparent to me quite early on that I had another calling. When I was about four years old, I asked my parents if I could learn how to play the violin. The only reply I ever received at that age was a slight chuckle of doubt from my parents, whom envisioned a dusty wooden instrument being stowed away in a closet, never to be seen again after just a few lessons. So while equipped with only the rushing mind of a toddler, the notion of me learning violin was pushed to the back of my mind. It wasn’t until I was about seven years old that I
Junior year. My junior year I realized things about myself that I hadn’t previously known. Things I’ve never done before and things people thought I couldn’t do. Situations I thought I wouldn’t be in and there I was. Junior year, I did it.
When I was in fifth grade, I was caught between two worlds, playing a woodwind or string instrument. If I played a woodwind instrument I would have to blow in it to make music, but string instruments are played with a bow to make music. After much thought, I decided that the violin was the best instrument for me, because it has a beautiful, unique sound, plus the possibilities are never-ending. I could receive a compliment from a teacher, or even get accepted to the symphony.
Throughout my life, I have been taken by music. However, it was not until my 8th grade year in middle school that I realized that I could be a musician for the rest of my life. Before that, music just seemed like something to keep me out of trouble. I wasn’t the best player at that time, and I still knew very little about it all. How could something like that ever support someone? Still, it was the only talent that I could find any success in, and it was still very enjoyable, so I wanted to still give it a shot.
I don’t remember if it was my choice or my parents, but in 5th grade when we were given the choice to be in band, I was very anxious to start. We got to meet with Mrs. Jones and try a few different instruments before making a decision. My top three choices were percussion, trombone, and clarinet (only because my sister had played it). I tried the clarinet first and thought it was alright, but not my favorite. I tried the trombone next, and while it was difficult, I really wanted to keep trying. I also tried percussion- she just had me keep a beat on my leg- and I thought percussion may be difficult for me, but I still wanted to do it. In the end, Mrs. Jones decided I would be best fit for the clarinet, mostly because I could use my sisters and not have to buy a new instrument. I was happy with the choice, mostly because I was excited to be playing anything!
In the first grade, I picked up a clarinet. It was my sister’s, collecting dust while waiting for me to play it. From the moment I produced my first sound, an ear-piercing squeal that frightened my dog, the path of my life took a turn for the better. I began teaching myself for the following three years, along with learning from my sister how to properly play the beautiful instrument. The music pushed me out of my comfort zone: concerts that forced me onstage, tests that made me play difficult songs, and teachers that pushed me to be an exceptional player. From the shy elementary school student I used to be to the outgoing band member I take joy in being today, music has shaped my everyday life.
Music has always been integral in my life. During my childhood, when I was four years old, I pressed my fingers on an oven handle like a piano. Throughout my childhood years I listened to my mom’s old-school mix CD’s, along with the Pandora music app on my old Kindle. In fifth grade, I picked up the piano. My alto saxophone studies began in seventh grade. When high school arrived, I turned my focus to guitar and voice. The more knowledge I absorbed, the more knowledge I craved. My decision to pursue music was also influenced by the inspirations I’ve encountered on my journey so far.
I can remember the moment when I decided that I would become a musician. I was at a summer music program that I didn’t really want to be at, sitting in a room that was filled with the scent of insulation. I was sitting on one of the many blue cushioned chairs in the room/. The instructors went around the hall, asking other children how old they were and what instrument they played. Everyone seemed to know each other already, chewing at the bit to be let on the stage to grab their preferred instrument and play the little music that they already knew with their friends. I felt left out, as I didn’t have an instrument that I could call my own. When the instructor finally got to me, he asked my age, name, and what I played, just like he had to
In 5th grade I chose the trumpet and a love began that will follow me for most of my educational career. At first I did not know I would have this love, but this piece of brass I held in my hands would eventually turn into a passion. I grew older starting high school and begin a journey a journey through marching band. Freshman year band camp was absolutely miserable I was told it would be sunny and very very hot. I got there and every single day it rained. I almost quit band after that year just because I hated band camp. That would have been a huge mistake. In my sophomore year I auditioned and made it into the symphonic band. I was ecstatic and ready to become a better player. With a higher chair I had more responsibility I felt like I needed
Fast forward to the track state meet eighth grade year. As I said before success can be a really tough thing to handle. I had gone through an up and down phase after cross country season ended. I didn’t go to practice, I started to not care as much about school and I was acting the completely opposite of the person I was before. After the upset at the state meet, I just didn’t seem to care anymore. I just focused on getting by the rest of the school year but it just didn’t work. My coaches convinced me to keep going they brought me in and had a talk with me. I still remember that day with my coach, Coach H. He was a really important person to me and had grown on me so much. He cared about his athletes like they were his own children. I sat
One of the worst choices I made was last year at the Burley High School. Last year I did not go to school much, I missed too many days and hardly ever handed in my homework. I was later signed out of school for the last two months of school. The best choices I made this year was come back to school and get a job. Nothing has really changed, but I know now that I will be getting money and will be getting better help from the teachers, being bored at my house is not going to be a problem. I am going to keep myself busy throughout the whole day. My family is also not going to be upset with me, they are going to be proud of me. The choice that I will make right now is that I will continue to go to school, I will not miss a lot of days in school.
My 9th grade year was a memory to never forget. 9th grade, i was new to the school just like the rest of the freshmen's i came into the school with, we were not really focused on the education we were more so focused on having fun and seeing different and older people and just experiencing the life of a high schooler. As bad as that may sound it was the truth but that was the year i meant my home boys Block, Tick and Jalen, i knew block and tick for some years already but i meant jalen when i got to high school and instantly we became close like brothers.
When I was about eleven years old, my parents made the decision that I should learn how to play an instrument. With that being said, they also chose the instrument that I would learn, the violin. I had absolutely no interest in learning how to play the violin, all I wanted to do was spend my spare time perfecting and improving my softball skills. I had expressed that to them time and time again but my parents obviously thought my time should be spent elsewhere considering they still proceeded to signed me up for the lessons. The following week I had begun my violin lessons.