Music has shaped my aspirations from the very beginning of my life and continues to guide both my academic and career goals. I plan to pursue a music degree to further develop my skills as a jazz musician, strengthen my understanding of theory and performance, and prepare for a professional career centered on creativity, collaboration, and growth. Studying music at the collegiate level will allow me to refine my artistic voice while gaining the discipline and versatility necessary to succeed in a demanding and evolving field.
My passion for music comes largely from the creative freedom found in jazz. Unlike other forms of music, jazz encourages individuality, risk-taking, and real-time communication. Improvisation taught me how to trust my ear, react in the moment, and express myself honestly through sound. That creative process transformed music from something I practiced into something I genuinely lived. Jazz gave me a voice and a sense of purpose, and it continues to challenge and inspire me every time I step on stage or into a rehearsal.
Academically, I am committed to balancing rigorous coursework with consistent practice, ensemble participation, and performance opportunities. Music has taught me discipline, perseverance, and resilience—especially through auditions and high-level performance settings. I auditioned for the PMEA District 12 Orchestra and Band, experiences that pushed me to raise my technical standards and refine my preparation, even though I was not selected. These auditions were important milestones that reinforced the value of growth, self-reflection, and persistence.
In August 2024, I was accepted into the Delaware County Youth Orchestra, where I am currently an active member. Performing in this ensemble has strengthened my musicianship, ensemble awareness, and accountability, while exposing me to challenging repertoire and high performance expectations. Alongside orchestral playing, I have actively engaged with the Philadelphia jazz scene, performing in jam sessions that taught me invaluable lessons about listening, adaptability, and professionalism. These real-world experiences reinforced my desire to pursue music seriously and to remain deeply connected to the community that shaped me.
As I prepare for college, I have auditioned for the Temple University Jazz Studies Performance program, seeking a program that emphasizes artistic individuality, collaboration, and excellence. My long-term goal is to build a sustainable career as a professional jazz musician through performance, collaboration, and continued involvement in the jazz community. I hope to contribute meaningfully to the tradition of jazz while pushing myself creatively and supporting other musicians along the way.
Music has shaped who I am academically, creatively, and personally. It has given me discipline, confidence, and a lifelong passion for learning. Pursuing a music degree is not just a career choice for me—it is a commitment to growth, expression, and contributing to an art form that has profoundly shaped my life.
My name is Matthew Lunsford and I am a senior at Bridgeport High School in
Bridgeport, West Virginia. Since I was around five years old, I would go to WVU Football
games and I remember watching the Pride of West Virginia Marching Band during half time and
thinking that I would love to be a part of it one day. I started playing trumpet in fifth grade and I
had grown passionate about music. I joined my middle schools' jazz band, and couldn't wait for
the years to come. A few years passed and I was in high school. To say I was thrilled for my first
football game and half-time show is an understatement. I finally got to do something I have always wanted to do. I joined my high school's jazz ensemble my Sophomore year, where I now currently serve as lead trumpet, section leader, and Student Vice President. I have been selected to participate in West Virginia's All State Band and Honor Band. Music has been my passion since I can remember.
My directors have significantly impacted my life and I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them. My first band director, Chris Broadwater, passed away recently and it has been a difficult to accept. I am thankful for him in so many ways and will never forget him, because was the very first person to teach me about music. His smile and attitude made the room shine. He always made you laugh and cheer any one up. I learned from some of the best band directors who treated their students like their own children. I strongly believe that teachers and their passion for music is critical for your success. That is why I am going to West Virginia University and majoring in Music Education. It was because of my directors, that believed in every single person, and shared their passion for music, that I am pursuing this career. I want to spread as much joy and love I have with music with other students, in hopes to inspire them, just as my directors had inspired me. Band has not only allowed me to create life-long friends, but also give me a purpose and enjoyment in life. Music has been the best thing for me and once I knew this could be my career, It would be the best job in the world and I cannot wait to start this chapter of my life.
Walking onto stage, for me, has always been one of the best feelings in the world. I am a trumpet player from Northeast Ohio, and the feeling of walking into a performance, either as a part of a larger group or as a soloist with nothing but a pianist behind me, has always been my catnip. I have participated in adjudicated performances both as a soloist and part of large and small ensembles, I've performed with my school's marching band, top concert ensemble, and our top jazz band, and I love every minute of what I do. My passion has become performing, writing music, and teaching. I plan to go to college in order to pursue either dual degrees or a Major/Minor in Music Education and Music Composition. After college, I plan on either becoming a band director for an Ohio high school or auditioning as a trumpet player with the Cleveland Orchestra, one of the best symphonies in the world.
I believe that music is one of the ways I can best accomplish what my Lord has called me to do, to teach and spread His good news. I play every Christmas with the choir and organist at St. Paul's Catholic Church, and I absolutely love doing it. I believe that the Lord has given me these talents because I can best serve Him through playing. My relationships, as well have been affected by music. Almost all of my friends have been musicians, and all of my relationships have been with girls who either are or were in the Instrumental Music program at my high school. My closest friends and I have bonded over our shared love of Drum Corps International (DCI), specifically the Bluecoats, Phantom Regiment, and the Boston Crusaders. While other people go to see the newest hit Blockbuster movie, a musical at Playhouse Square, or go to watch someone like Doja Cat or Lizzo, I choose to spend my evenings at stadiums such as Infocision stadium at the University of Akron and Tom Benson Memorial Stadium at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, watching the top corps compete for spots at Grand Finals in Indianapolis. It's my bread and butter, and I have been aiming to create a space for myself as a staff member with these corps, as well as high school marching bands, after High School. I have made connections, forged relationships, and gotten to know people who can help me get into this field, and it's really exciting.
I am passionate about music because it allows me to express who I am and what I believe in an incredibly complete way. I can subtly change the way that the music is written on the page to express my desires and ideas. I find it so incredibly fun to make my mark on music and express my passion through my performance. My family has always supported me, and I find that my gift to them is to be the best musician I can possibly be, to honor their support and love.
