Pep Band Personal Statement

Throughout my life, no single thing has had a greater impact than music. It has made me who I am today, and I cannot remember a time when music wasn’t a huge part of myself - my earliest memories all contain the music that my parents played. Beyond being a product purely for enjoyment, as it was for a long time in my earliest years, music has gone on to become a fundamental part of who I am, how I spend my time, and who I spend that time with. It motivates me to be better for numerous reasons. I credit my early involvement in music with most of the successes I have had to this date.

I am a dedicated and conscientious student in class, and a key member in many extra-curricular activities. As a keen musician, playing violin, trombone and piano, I contribute to a number of musical ensembles in school and played an integral part in the organisation of our school’s summer concert. I am also a member of several local youth orchestras and bands, with whom I have toured abroad many times, most recently to Italy, France and Belgium.

When I first began playing the clarinet, eight years ago, I would have never expected it to impact my life in such a significant way, but it did and continues to each year. From the second that I picked up a clarinet and played a single note, I knew it was an experience like no other; music is a unique language, it speaks words that many can hear, and brings people of all races and religions together. Playing an instrument is a way of self-expression, both individually and as a group; bringing musicians together to create a work of art. I have experienced this throughout all eight years as a musician with students from my school, in both concert band and marching band, students from surrounding schools, during band fest, junior district band, and district band, as well as members of my church, at worship services. Music can bring the most unexpected

Music is a passion of mine and has been for a long time (it's in my blood.) My dad played the bass guitar in a few groups, and he sings in our church's choir. His taste of music has been passed down and adopted by my brother and me.

One of my most-enjoyed gifts is the ability to create and perform pieces of music. I find that music can help people to feel or understand difficult abstract ideas that we as Christians must recognize. Making music is also such a personal activity that the process a musician reflect on the topics that are so difficult for us to grasp. In terms of service, continuing participation in KCA’s praise team, Voice of Hope ensemble, and small vocal ensemble are all ways to both to personally serve the Lord and to serve others wanting to serve in similar respects.

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.

I came to realize that playing music can bring someone great fortune. I had no plans for the future, no goals, nor dreams before I starting my path in music. I never wondered without direction. But one day, good fortune came to me. A fortune I would have never of thought of. It was The Gracias choir and music. I was thinking to myself “I have never been so happy nor have I had so much enjoyment to live. To have an open mind to people around the world by delivering my heart threw my music. It looks like a dream!"

During my whole life I have been surrounded by music. Whether it be at a musical at the Civic Center, going to one of my brother’s high school band concerts, or just listening to music on my own time for fun, it has been a major driving force in my life. I have also, as previously mentioned, acquired many awards during my playing. I have gone to SCIBA honor band three years in a row as of my freshmen year, gone to the 8th Grade All Iowa honor band, the equivalent of All State in high school, and have gotten Best of Center awards from my playing

In addition, it was the little moments during performances that nurtured my desire to become a professional musician. The endeavor of singing on stage while hesitant and shaky, and the joy after finishing. Sitting in an ensemble with my alto saxophone, and playing with fellow musicians who shared my love for music, finding that perfect harmony. Experiencing a sense of freedom as I strummed and picked my heart away on stage with my guitar.

I am passionate about playing music, being successful academically, and lastly I am passionate about using my strengths to help others. I am a member of our very own Stockdale High School Marching Band, and I am also a member of the Stockdale Jazz Band. Music is like an escape for me. Whenever I am feeling down, I will play some music and instantly feel better. I want to show people how music can be an outlet for anyone. I am quite the perfectionist so it is very important to me that I remain academically successful in all my classes. I enjoy using my strengths in academics to help others achieve academic success.

One experience that has shaped my love for music is being a member of the Composers’ Guild, which is an extracurricular activity unique to Morton High School. While I was in this group, I learned basic music theory, participated in experiments and activities in music composition, and I have received feedback and performances of some of my pieces. I have also composed twenty pieces of music and heard live performances of four of my pieces as of fall 2017. Three of my works have been performed by Illinois Wesleyan University musicians at annual MHS schoolwide concerts showcasing

Besides marching band, music in general is one of the most substantial parts of my life. It has taught me to be an overall more creative and inventive person. It has fueled my mind to be quicker and better.

Overall, I played in both concerts and marching band of my school, but I never considered myself good enough to play for something as prestigious as the Pride. While my middle school and early high school years were constantly based in Concert Band 2, I started to put more

Ever since my years in elementary school, I have had a love for music. This love developed in middle school where the notion of teaching music came to me. In high school, I knew the profession that was right for me was music education. After graduation, I began my journey to my calling by attending Shepherd University.

Music has always been a passion of mine. I joined my school’s orchestra in the fifth grade, and it was there that I made my first true friends. Together, we learned how to read music, play our instruments, and perform as a group. My positive experience with the orchestra led me to continue developing my love of music. I picked up a slew of instruments, including: the trumpet, the clarinet, the piano, and voice. While the trumpet and clarinet weren’t a great fit for me, I found that I loved singing, which led me to join my school’s choir in the seventh grade. Later that year, I began teaching myself how to play the piano.