Before I had even begun sixth grade (the point at which a person can join a band class), I knew I wanted to play an instrument. Like many others, I had this epiphany while watching the eighth grade concert band perform for my entire fifth grade class. I was mesmerized by the vast array of musical instruments. At first, I could not focus on one instrument for too long because they all seemed so equally fascinating to my young eyes. Possibility upon possibility flooded my mind— I could play trumpet! I could be a percussionist! I could learn to play the alto saxophone! Of course, I didn't know the names of all the various instruments at the time— except for one: the clarinet. As the band set up on the make-shift stage and got ready to play, my eyes were continuously drawn back to the clarinetists …show more content…
The director bowed to us, picked up a long, pointy, wooden object (a baton) and faced the band. In an instant, all four hundred fifty five fifth graders grew quiet. The school gym became so silent, my ears seemed to ring with the total absence of sound. The director raised his arms and, if possible, the band seemed to sit taller. I held my breath in wide-eyed anticipation; I could feel my heart pounding for no reason other than pure excitement. Suddenly, he twirled his arms through the air before slamming them down. All at once, the band took a breath before blowing it through their horns as one. The sound slammed into me and then suddenly the once silent gym was filled with trills, crescendos, and melodic phrases. If someone were to watch me on that day, six years ago, he or she would have seen a smile full of wonder and adoration slowly creeping up my face. From the explosive release of that first note, I was certain that I would one day sit on that stage— two years later, I
Where I learned how to become a leader through the leadership ensemble within the marching band. Where in my senior and fourth year of marching competitively, I became the Drum Major, and earned the Best Drum Major Award at the Roxbury Marching Band Classic Competition. From marching band I progressed into jazz music, where I became the lead alto saxophonist in the top jazz band at my school during my junior and senior year. I was also one of three saxophonists in the top band at my school. I picked up the clarinet, the flute, and the soprano saxophone on my way through high school, and have played all three as well in my performing ensembles. I played in the pit orchestra of the theater production of “All Shook Up”, and was the principal saxophonist at my high school. Too be short, I am very involved in all things music in the past and currently. Band and music have been a place for me to rely on, something that brings me joy when sad. Allows me to express myself through sounds and through instruments. It is truly a talent and a hobby that I hope to continue through college and through life because of the joy it brought me and creative outlet it was throughout my
Music has always been one of things I excelled in. In elementary school it was required to be in music but second in 5th grade you have the option to be in band. I was in band for 6 years before I stopped and I went to 5 honor bands. I played tenor saxophone and was 2nd chair all six years. Jazz band was something we had in middle school and high school. We had 2 jazz bands in middle school. Jazz one was for 8th graders and jazz two was 7th grade. I played in both. My first year I played tenor 1 and 2 and the second year I played baritone saxophone. My 9th grade year I played only tenor one. We didn’t have to audition but the students who plays that instrument normally would have first say in who gets 1st, 2nd and sometimes 3rd part. That
In my first piano recital at the age of eight, I felt overwhelmed by the audience' s applause. Since that first recital, I became very committed to music and attempted to build a music career. At age six, I began playing the piano, and at age fifteen, I began playing the trumpet. Admitted by a professional music high school at age sixteen, I had the opportunity of exploring the broad world of music, and the high quality of instruction greatly enriched my music background. After intensively preparing for my first trumpet competition, I won the championship of trumpet competition for the remaining two years of high school. By attending various kinds of competitions, I further developed my musical interest and abilities.
Whenever kids join band, they typically have their mind set on the instrument they want to play, and for me, this was percussion. In sixth grade we had the opportunity to join band, and become part of prestigious and successful group at our school. I dreamt of being the lead percussionist and leading the band by keeping the beat and making sure everyone was always together. I had my heart set on percussion ever since I was little, seeing my uncle play drums, banging his head around wildly, hitting drumsticks so hard they broke, and having so much fun with it; I wanted to have that much fun, too.
I have found the process of choosing a musical topic about which to write a difficult one. My musical interests have never been concentrated in a singular area. To aid myself in this search, I will list the areas in which I hold an interest: music education, tuba performance practices, music pedagogy, tuba pedagogy, psychological development through music, and the history of music.
Once I let my thoughts return to the music, I knew what lie ahead of me. I tapped the nearest "big guy" on the shoulder and pointed towards the ceiling; the universal signal on the concert floor. He nodded, grabbed my foot, and pushed me on top of the crowd. Once I was up there was no turning back. Soon strong hands were surfing me towards the stage. I had the best view in the house and reveled in the moment. I was fueled by an adrenaline rush that was only heightened by the fusion of the music and the energy of the crowd.
This fun could only last so long, however, and so the Hotchkiss High School Marching Band prepared for Grand Junction band day. We traversed the sixty miles down to the city in which we would compete. The day became toasty as it was still the start of October. Despite the heat, the parade amazingly stayed together and field show brought a tear to our director's eye. She promptly let us know, though, that it would take more next time-we knew it would, too.
My largest passion is music, specifically the clarinet. I was a member of the Minnesota All-State Symphonic Band in the summer of 2016, which sparked my love for playing in a wind ensemble. Since then, I have performed in my school's pit orchestra for the productions of both Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. Performing in a pit orchestra is one of the most challenging feats for a musician, but I find it to be incredibly rewarding to combine my love of musical theatre and band. In addition to being a member of my school’s advanced band for three years, I have also performed in numerous local honor bands.
Of all the instruments laid out on display, only one caught my attention. I was thirteen at the time, and naturally, my eye was drawn to the shiniest of the group. I had never heard the sound of a flute before, aside from the cheap imitation of one on my family’s electronic keyboard. Nevertheless, I picked the pretty, gleaming, easy-to-carry flute on that first day of band class. Three years later, I can’t imagine playing anything else. What started off as blind luck and an attraction to shiny objects is now a part of my life. Playing an instrument is always a worthwhile investment; you develop a skill that many people only wish they had, you have opportunities to meet other musicians, and you may even get to travel in a band setting. But in order to reap the benefits, you first have to learn how to play.
As we all waited in line to go into the concert there was a thrill of excitement in the air. I was standing there with two of my friends. when we saw a few other people we knew. " Hey, come over here!" I bellowed.