Personal Narrative: Working With Music

Although there are many objects and things that can define my culture, I believe that my music taste, my language and my manners makes me who I am today.

Tanner started his freshman year playing in the second best orchestra of three in his school. Here, he excelled musically and made new friends with upperclassmen. By January, one of Tanner’s older friends had convinced him to join choir, so he decided to audition for the upcoming year. As a sophomore, Tanner sang bass in the top choir, even though he did not have any prior singing experience. The same year, he also auditioned into Symphonic Orchestra, the top orchestra of his school. While he was in both the top orchestra and choir, he started student conducting for the lower orchestras and choirs. By senior year, Tanner’s schedule was almost completely filled with music classes. Consequently, Tanner grew extremely close to his high school ensemble directors. It got the point where he could casually call his Symphonic Orchestra director “mom.” This inspired Tanner to make it a goal for himself to form strong relationships with his future students. Through his experiences conducting his high school orchestras, and choir, Tanner found that he really enjoyed teaching music and decided to study music

Imagine a third grader, small and blonde, standing on a stage that practically swallows her. She gazes in awe at the bright lights that seem to tower miles above her head; likewise, she follows with a stare, fixating on the hundreds of darkened faces that remain directly in front of her. Unlike her classmates who fidget with nerves beside her, she feels a rush of adrenaline. What may have seemed to some an ordinary choir concert in a dull auditorium, was, to me, a life changing moment. Ever since this day, for 9 years now, I have had an unwavering passion for music and performing. As I aged, I found myself excitedly learning how to play 7 new instruments, but even considering the vast number of bands, orchestras, choirs, and instrumental lessons that I joined, I noticed myself

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.

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.

Andruska is also a professional vocalist that performs in various classical music settings. She is a cantor at several churches, and sings in various choirs throughout the community. When meeting with Mrs. Andruska in our pre-conference, it became clear that she prides herself on providing highly effective instruction for all of her students. She describes her teaching style as being diverse, given that she incorporates many different general music education methodologies into her teaching. She is Orff and Kodaly certified and works with students in our autism program (CAPS), special education programs, and general K-5 education

After evaluating student’s responses, it is important to recognize that teachers and directors have different perspectives and views. Mrs. Grizzle, the director here at VCMS, and three students were asked a series of questions regarding how music can help them and other students. Furthermore, Mrs. Grizzle has said, “ I hope that I impact students to have confidence in themselves, constantly work for improvement, and accept everyone.” This shows us just how much

No sooner than we came back with the drinks than one guy who I found was named Dan pulled out a baggie and rolled a couple of big joints. Those were passed around and it seemed like Jazz always had one in her hand as the guys kept passing them to her.

My Producer is Phuc Tran . He is my older brother. He is influential to me because he motivate me to be better than he is. He force me to challenge myself, which cause me to go beyond my limits and try harder than usual

Studying “The Hero’s Journey” in English class reminded me about how our lives are shaped by our choices and how we choose to respond to what is out of our control. I was reminded about how small and almost insignificant the human race is when compared to the information we have about the Universe in astronomy class. Now I know what my dad always meant when he said, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” During multi-cultural studies, I was reminded no matter how insignificant we may be in the long run, we are significant now and respect should be a birth right. I had multiple chances to observe teachers in the classroom during the early education courses and in addition to studies I also got to perform on my instruments! I performed on the flute in the school band, flute and base flute in three wind ensembles, and performed solos on the flute, piano and guitar. I have never been more proud of myself and confident in what I have to offer this world. I am a talented musician with a strong passion for sharing this art to children and being of guidance to them as they

As a student who makes it their goal to involve himself in every musical activity, I have had the privilege to play music in large groups like a marching band, big band, and orchestra, in addition to small groups like a jam band and a traditional gypsy jazz band. I’ve participated in competitions at tens of schools, auditioned into region bands, and played big band charts on the steps of the Navy Memorial. With that being considered the group that had the most profound effect on me is a student-run Jazz combo, a small group of around eight high school musicians who played jazz standards at smaller high-class events. My four years in this group contain some of my most significant experiences of my high-school career. These experiences were what changed a nervous and absent minded freshman into the confident student leader that I act as today.

I was enrolled in a Music Appreciation class over the summer and had a final grade of a 97. The first semester of school I was enrolled in American History; Found Principles, Civics and Economics Honors (90), Symphonic Band (100), Honors Biology (94) and Microsoft Word and Powerpoint (96). During second semester I have been enrolled in North Carolina Math II Honors (90), Symphonic Band (100), Health Science I (96) and Honors English II

I could tell a story about how music has shaped my life and has became a necessity in my life. I could explain the importance of my religion and how it has transformed me into a better person. I could mention the fact that I have ADD and because of that I learned how to work hard. I could express my love of cooking, adventure, travel, literature, nutrition, and science, and the list could continue. However, I will not use any of those ideas that have been overused, I shall a tell of what some people may think to be an idea of make believe, but for me is a reality: superpowers. I happen to be gifted with the talent of being a Psychic, and i am especially lucky with the fact that this gene is recessive and both my parents have the non superpower dominant gene. The only downfall to this is knowing that other

I started piano when I was 10, I started it when I was in 4th grade. My very first song was “I Love Coffee”. I also learned “October Moonlight” as my second song. It was that song or a Thanksgiving song. I chose “October Moonlight” because it was close to Halloween and it had a mysterious ring to it, also it had an echo so you didn’t really know where it was coming from if you couldn’t see the pianist. I also work in my lesson book on easy stuff that only have two or three measures in a song or scales. It also has places where you write, but we normally just focus on playing the songs.

Mrs. Annette Hovey, a music teacher at New Rockford-Sheyenne Public School, was busy giving an elementary percussionist a private lesson as I waited outside the music room for them to finish. Mrs. Hovey can be described as a woman who simply loves and embodies music and is dedicated to teaching her students and helping them grow through her inspiring classes. She's slightly shorter than average height with shoulder-length brown hair, and that day was sporting a relaxed look of: blue jeans, turquoise Nikes, a NR-S homecoming t-shirt, and a comfortable looking black and white plaid zip up sweater.