Driven by Drum Corps Scholarship

The marching arts have provided me with lifelong friends, priceless education, and unforgettable experiences. Through this unique educational experience, I have matured as a musician, a performer, and a human being. I began my time in the marching arts in 2018 and will end my journey as a performer this summer season. Throughout the years, this community has been a safe space for me. The connection between members in these ensembles is unlike anywhere else in the world. The comprehensive desire for self-improvement and quality performance brings the most passionate musicians together. This creates the perfect environment for learning and growth. Additionally, the marching arts have provided me with a community of kindness and support in times of darkness. Many times in my life, performing has been a lifeline for my survival. On a grander scale, being able to travel the country and perform for thousands of people is a feeling of fulfillment that cannot be replicated. More specifically, marching in drum corps rekindled my love for musical performance. After my 2023 DCI season, I was reminded of why I wanted to be a musician in the first place. As a musician, I want to contribute to the universal community of inspiration and creativity that is music. Marching DCI is simultaneously the most difficult and amazing activity I have ever done, and I am beyond excited to do it one last time this summer. My current goals include completing my final DCI season, graduating college, and starting a career in my desired field. I am a third-year student at East Tennessee State University earning my Bachelor of Science in Parks and Recreation Management along with double minoring in Music and History. Post-graduation, I plan on going into outdoor recreation. While I am still exploring specific career options, I am drawn to the positions of Park Ranger and Wildland Firefighter. More specifically, I want to use my degree, experience, and training to share the outdoors with others. I want to be a bridge of connection between individuals and nature. I hope to kindle appreciation within each person I interact with so they too are driven to protect these lands for future generations. Additionally, I am interested in being a marching arts instructor. The marching arts provided me with such amazing opportunities and community, and I want to give the next generation the same wonderful experience I had. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to perform in the marching arts one last time. First, I will gain more valuable education to teach my future students. Second, I will have more travel experience that will benefit me in my future career. Lastly, I will be able to reset my mind and soul after the most difficult months of my life. Hurricane Helene devastated my family and community. After rescuing my mother and three pets from isolation in Western North Carolina, I brought them back to my small apartment. For the next few months, I juggled caring for my family, attending classes, going to work, going to an internship, and being a leader for my university marching band. The immense amount of stress and heartbreak affected my academic ability and work availability. In the chaos of the disaster, we were focused on survival. Anything of value that survived the hurricane was sold in order to stay afloat. Even today, both my family and hometown are recovering physically, financially, and emotionally. However, within all the darkness, a music-filled summer was the image that motivated me. Doing my favorite activity a final time would bring me indescribable joy after a terribly dark chapter.