Collaboration is a necessity in almost all fields, especially in music. The quality of the product and experience of the participants are both intensely reliant on the teamwork of the group. If members cannot cooperate, things quickly become distasteful, and progress grows stale. Despite the conditions that this negativity produces, compassion and enthusiasm can entirely reverse them, or even altogether prevent them. In my experience, this has been proven to me numerous times. During my time in high school, I have participated in various music-related activities, including marching band, jazz band, and concert band, among other ensembles and honor bands, providing me with extensive experience involving collaboration and relationships. For instance, in marching band, it is imperative for the members to work with and for, rather than against each other, especially within their section. We spend hours each week around each other, spanning from July all the way until December. If members cannot cooperate, first of all, it makes the experience dreadful for everyone, and second of all, it diminishes the capability of the team. I have witnessed firsthand how apathy, negativity, and closed-mindedness can impact a group. But, I have also seen how optimism and empathy can reverse that impact. For example, there was a great deal of drama that infected my grade in the band a while back. It tore apart long-term friendships while we spent every moment together denouncing one another. This year, our senior year, we wanted things to be different. We wanted to create a culture where everyone felt included and had good role models who would keep their best interests at heart. It was never discussed; it was just a mutual understanding that things needed to change for the better, and it was up to us to make it happen. So we took charge of bringing back the positivity of the activity. Now, we are respectful to everyone no matter what, we make sure to include everyone, and we never let our personal issues get in the way of other members’ experience. While I have spent many years participating in music programs within my school system, I have also spent a summer as a member of a drum corps. Drum corps is commonly known as simply a step up from marching band, but in my case, it was a significantly different experience. Not only was it challenging on a new level, but the community was so much happier and friendlier. Everybody there enjoyed what they were doing and wanted to be there, even though it was strenuous and demanding. At least in my section, the front ensemble, we would never let challenges, setbacks, or drama poison our friendship. We were always able to have fun, be respectful, and push each other to grow as musicians. This was the single-most positive experience I have ever had, and for the rest of my life, my goal will be to encourage that type of constructive environment in every group I am a part of.

Being involved in fine arts as a student is especially important to develop an exceptional resume and career. I once heard a respected director say, “music makes our kids better”. He explained this after first discussing how many people would say things like, “music makes our kids smarter”. As musicians are not always the most intellectual people, introducing music into anyone’s life can completely change the direction of their story. When someone strives for excellence in any context, it always has a positive impact on their lives. My story in particular can really reassure the fact that music is completely revitalizing. The Covid-19 pandemic was insufferably hard on me. It began when I was in the sixth grade, and continued into my seventh grade year. I was already beginning to decline during sixth grade and rapidly plummeted into depression once quarantine began. Things were only getting worse and it seemed only a miracle could save me. The last few weeks before eighth grade would begin, I went to my first band camp. I had signed up a few months prior and was frankly expecting to quit. It changed my life in a matter of days. I suddenly went from having no friends, crying myself to sleep every night, and feeling hopeless, to making the closest friendships I have ever had, having a reason to get up in the morning, and dreaming of a future. Music saved my life. Expressing myself, learning new things, improving, and especially sharing it with others, gave me something to live for. Not only myself, every other musician I have met would not be the same without music. It brings people together, teaches them the importance of expression, and allows them to feel worthy of something in their lives. Music has made such a difference in my life that I would like to dedicate my career to it. I plan on majoring in music education in hopes that someday I can help save someone the way I was saved. I hope that I can make people's lives better and worth living with what I do. I want to lead a positive example for people and maybe even help make the world a better place. I believe that art will play a huge role in the progression of the world, and if I can aid in that at all I will do everything I can. This scholarship would help me be able to afford my education without having years of student debt to pay.