I am eleven years old. I hold a silver flute, the metal cool against my hands and lips. I take a breath, then exhale, drawing my first sound from the instrument. It’s a hollow, shapeless sound, yet to me it is a victory. I quickly learn the fingerings for each note, each new sound unlocking a door to making music. Learning the flute teaches me the joy of learning for the sake of learning, to satisfy one’s own thirst for knowledge. I do not know it yet, but this drive to learn my instrument will become important soon. I chose to learn how to play the flute because my mother played it. As I become older, however, this path I am on becomes distinctly my own. I am thirteen years old. I sit in my band director’s office, unsure of why I am there. Mrs. Lawson is a favorite teacher of mine, inspiring me with her character and teaching. She is kind, always positive, and truly enjoys her job. Perhaps, I think, I could become a teacher like her someday. Someone who does some good in the world. She gives me a choice- I can learn oboe or continue playing flute. I don’t know what an oboe is, but I accept her offer without hesitation anyway. Without this moment, this opportunity, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I am sixteen years old. I’m beginning my second year of high school band. The culture of this band is different. It feels like a community, something to belong to. I’m the only oboist at Lafayette, and I’m unused to the pressure that comes with the role. This year I learn to persevere. I learn to trust myself and my abilities. It’s hard, but the idea of giving up is harder. I am eighteen years old. I am the captain of the front ensemble of the Lafayette marching band. Working with my section is the best part of my day. I get to teach my section, but they teach me too. They teach me to let go of perfectionism, to celebrate all progress. Because of them, I learn how to be a better teacher and a better person. I learn how to use skills such as empathy and determination to help our section and each member of it succeed. One day, I will be twenty-two years old. I will be graduating from college. I will be able to use the scholarship money I’ve earned to pay for a fifth year of school so I can earn my Master of Arts in teaching degree. It will be more work and more money, but it will be worth it. One day, I will be twenty-five years old. I will have a job as a band director. I will create a culture of respect and kindness in my band, so everyone feels included. I will be able to use my strengths, such as empathy and passion, to help the band succeed. I will do my best to help my students reach their goals, whatever those may be, and to give them opportunities to be successful. Being a band director and a music teacher may not seem like an important job. But for some kids, kids like me, music is everything. School bands give students opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have. Many students wouldn’t be able to study music without school bands, orchestras, and choirs. Band gives students a sense of community. It’s a space for students to be themselves. I hope to have a positive impact on my students, the way my directors did on me.

Music has been an important part of my life for as long as I can remember. However, my passion for music truly took off when I reached high school. Through high school music, I have been able to participate in marching band, concert band, jazz band, even symphony and pit orchestras. Because of my involvement in music at Lafayette, I have become a better musician and person. Music has taught me various life lessons and skills. Learning music requires dedication, patience, and attention to detail. It requires self-awareness and adaptability. I often taught myself, since oboe teachers aren’t particularly common. Having these skills allowed me to get as far as I have, and now that I have a teacher, I’m able to learn even more. Being in ensembles teaches you time management and accountability. There are times when I had scheduling conflicts, lots of homework, or family responsibilities. Without time management, it would be impossible for me to accomplish everything. Luckily, I’ve learned how to stay organized. Performing music requires confidence and the ability to handle pressure. Being the only oboist at Lafayette, I faced pressure from my director, my bandmates, and even myself. There were times when I felt like nothing I played was good enough. However, I’ve learned to block out that pressure or use it as a tool instead of letting it overwhelm me. I’ve learned to trust my abilities and knowledge. I do the best I can, and I accept whatever happens. None of these skills have been easy to learn, but they are important. In addition to teaching me life lessons, music has given me valuable opportunities. I have been able to have leadership positions and gain teaching experience through band. This fall, I was the captain of the front ensemble of the Lafayette Marching Rams. Being captain was the highlight of my marching band career. I was responsible for leading sectionals, teaching music, sending out scheduling information, and a variety of other things relating to helping my section be the best it could be. While it was a lot of responsibility, it gave me the opportunity to use my skills and help others. My freshmen taught me as much, if not more, than I taught them. Without them, I would not be the leader or person I am today. Working with them taught me how to work with various personalities and skill levels. I was able to use my empathy and patience to ensure everyone felt supported and included. I learned to adapt to their needs and to be proud of all progress instead of getting caught up in perfectionism. The relationships I’ve made through music have also had an impact on me. When I began high school, I didn’t have many true friends. That changed because of marching band. Being in an ensemble with someone is a bonding experience. I’ve met many of my favorite people through music, and I am confident that these friendships will continue even after we graduate. Some of these friends have become family to me, and I am incredibly grateful I chose to continue my involvement in music. In conclusion, music has had a tremendous impact on my life and high school experience. It has been the highlight of my time at Lafayette. Music has shaped me into the person I am today, and I am a better person for it.