Reflective Essay On Stringendo

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

During senior year of high school, I decided to learn the violin. I have always loved the timbre of the instrument and I longed to develop a talent that I could call my own. However, my progress was slow. My arms and fingers always tensed up when I began playing a piece. Yet, my violin instructor never let me give up. Every time I put my violin down he would urge me to continue. “Don’t hesitate,” he would tell me. “Be confident in what you play even if you make a mistake.”

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.

When I was an eighth grader in middle school, I joined IUSD Middle School Honor Orchestra. I played the viola in this orchestra and I was eighth chair violist out of sixteen violists. Many of my friends joined this orchestra and we had a lot of fun. I played different pieces of music with everyone in the orchestra and I learned many new things. Playing music pieces with different people that play different instruments have taught me a lot, and I learned that it is always important to work as a team. Joining this orchestra has given me the better understanding of music and teamwork. After the concert of this orchestra, we had a field trip to California Adventure and I performed there with the group of the first time.This is one of the best experience

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.

Even though my makeshift cardboard violin didn’t make any sound, I still carried it with me everywhere, always eager to show people mow much I had learned.I have been playing for twelve years now and even though I have enjoyed most of it, it has not always been so easy. There have been more late nights, crying in frustration over something I just could not get, but I made it through. Playing the violin has given me the nations determined attitude to set my mind on something and to not stop until I reach my goals. Being a musician also has also made me hyper-aware in relation to anything musical.I tend to pick up things that the average person doesn’t. You can hear the subtle nuances that might blow over many people. Most people might only hear the different emotions, but I can tell you what made it so sad and what instruments were used at what time to convey such emotion. I love playing the violin, I look at it as an opportunity to express my true emotions. Each piece of music that I play is an uncolored painting that I paint with emotions. I have to take every piece of music, interpreted it and make it my

Famed violin pedagogue, Leopold Auer, provides a detailed account of his experience in violin playing. It is written as an autobiography with personal observations and anecdotes from his career as a violinist and teacher. Later in the book, Auer gives advice about violin technique and performance that reads like an instruction manual.

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 have always looked to spend more time in music, so even with the challenges of marching band I have been the lead bassist for my school’s top jazz band all four years of my journey. Even with the time I spend in marching, I spend at least four hours a week creating music with my peers. In this I’ve not only been able to prove to myself that I can play, but I’ve also learned how to synergize with my fellow musicians to make something beautiful. I’ve been able to transfer this to my life outside of band through group projects and community service projects.

The week before all-state orchestra auditions meant everything needed to be perfect. I would meticulously practice my cello for extended periods of time, revisiting the same difficult passages until I was satisfied or my fingers became numb. There were few performance opportunities in South Dakota like all-state orchestra so I was determined to give a superb audition. Yet, regardless of the outcome I always felt proud, knowing I had done everything I could. Through these experiences I refined qualities such as excellence and diversity, which I anticipate will strengthen the student body, faculty, and mission at the Creighton University School of Medicine.

On October 7th, I got a chance to observe Chris Watson’s middle school ensemble. This ensemble was made up of five percussion players and a trumpet player. This was his first year with this school. The year previous that class was basically a percussion class. He was telling me that he had to change a lot in this first year. It was great opportunity to observe this school because it was an experience I will not forget.

As soon as I told her I was going to be attending SYS, she told me, “You WILL be Sacramento Youth's concertmaster [the principal first violinist in an orchestra].” At that particular moment, I didn't understand what she wanted from me. However, I once again placed my trust in her. From April 2009 to September 2012, she worked with me twice a week on my vibrato, bow hold, shifting, and just making sure I had a beautiful, clear-cut and refined sound. Under her guidance, I worked diligently and became SYS’s intermediate orchestra concertmaster. Driven by my ambitions, I then set my sights on becoming the concertmaster in the advanced and symphonic orchestras. After my junior year at SYS, when I did become co-concertmaster in advanced orchestra, I played as the concertmaster in the Sacramento All-City orchestra and passed the sixth level of the ABRSM (internationally standardized music assessments) violin exam. As a result, I have set my musical goals even

The inspiration to touch the lives of other people espoused from this and began to manifest during my time in high school, especially in marching band. To my eternal gratitude I was granted the position, flute section leader where I was able to pass down my knowledge and witness the growth of the younger students. The two years of leading marked the starting point for my future endeavors into leadership and service. One of these roles is evidenced in my job as a Student Lead at Traditions at Scott and the higher role I take in assisting the current employees and training the incoming

In the past few years I have had many important experiences that have influenced me personally, however if I had to rate them, the most important experience would have to be my bagpipes. Over the past few years the bagpipes have taught me different styles of music and how to be a leader, and during such time also gave me a career from solo competitions and being an instructor myself.