For as long as I can remember, music has been at the center of my life. Because my elementary school did not offer opportunities to sing or play instruments, I eagerly anticipated middle school just to join the band. I chose the trombone, and soon after, joined the choir as a tenor. My choir director became a pivotal mentor, helping me step out of my comfort zone and confidently perform solos. This experience ignited a deeper passion, driving me to teach myself the piano and electric guitar through daily practice and online tutorials, while also picking up the tuba. Music is far more than a hobby to me; it is a defining part of who I am. Throughout high school, I fully immersed myself in music by participating in choir, marching band, pep band, concert band, percussion ensemble, and the indoor performance ensemble. Balancing these demanding groups required immense dedication, but performing alongside peers who became a second family made every hour of rehearsal incredibly rewarding. By my senior year, my commitment culminated in a schedule dedicated to my passion, featuring three core music classes: symphonic band, concert band, and percussion ensemble. My dedication to performance led to consecutive selections for the All-Star Choir in middle school, where I loved collaborating with peers from other districts to put on large-scale concerts. This momentum continued throughout my secondary education, as I successfully auditioned for Select Band every year from seventh through twelfth grade. As a strong performer within these ensembles, I was frequently trusted with featured solos to open or anchor our marching band shows. Notably, during my senior year halftime show, I kicked off the main movement with a featured trombone solo before quickly transitioning to the sousaphone to anchor the low brass section for the rest of the performance. At Northern Kentucky University, I am majoring in Music Education with a vocal emphasis, with the ultimate goal of teaching elementary school music. I love working with young children and thrive on their natural excitement when discovering something new. This passion hit home recently when I gave my three-year-old niece a kid-sized drum set; seeing her light up with pure joy as she played reinforced exactly why I chose this path. I want to bring that same spark into the classroom, introducing young students to new instruments and songs, and cultivating the exact moment their eyes light up with musical discovery. I am eager to continue pursuing my Musice Education degree to instill an early love of music in children, planting seeds that will grow with them from childhood into adulthood.

Music can spark creativity, build resilience, and open doors to opportunities that last a lifetime. For as long as I can remember, music has been at the center of my life. Growing up, I couldn’t wait to join the middle school band to learn how to play an instrument; I chose the trombone. I also joined the middle school choir to try my tenor voice with a group. The Choir Director really helped me come out of my shell and step up to perform solos during concerts. Soon after, I started learning to play other instruments including the tuba, piano, and electric guitar. Music is not just a hobby for me; it's a defining part of who I am. I learned to play piano and guitar by watching YouTube videos and practicing every day in my free time. While in high school, I participated in marching band (in the fall), Pep Band (in the winter), Concert Band all year, Percussion Ensemble (in the winter), and Indoor Performance Ensemble (in the winter). While the work was demanding, being able to perform in front of friends and family with a group of peers who I consider a bonus family is a rewarding experience. My senior year of high school, I had three classes dedicated to music: Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Percussion Ensemble. I auditioned each year, 7th through 12th grade, for Select Band and was selected every year to participate. I also started several of our marching band pieces with a solo or had a solo within the pieces. My senior year, I started our main halftime piece with a trombone solo but switched to the Sousaphone to play the rest of the piece with the entire marching band. During choir my junior year of high school, I played the keyboard during one of our Beatles’ songs which was cool since my dad had asked me to learn that specific song when I first started playing the piano. My major at Northern Kentucky University is music education with an emphasis on vocals. I hope to teach music to elementary-aged children. I am good with young kids and love to see them excited about learning something new. I recently gave my 3-year old niece a set of drums (kid-size, of course), and seeing her smile and enjoy playing is so rewarding. I want to bring that same joy to young children by teaching music at an Elementary school. I may also give voice lessons in my spare time. I'm excited to learn more and then teach children to love music early in their lives so that love can grow throughout their childhood and into adulthood.

For as long as I can remember, music has been at the center of my life. Growing up, I couldn’t wait to join the middle school band to learn how to play an instrument; I chose the trombone. I also joined the middle school choir to try my tenor voice with a group. The Choir Director really helped me come out of my shell and step up to perform solos during concerts. Soon after, I started learning to play other instruments including the tuba, piano, and electric guitar. Music is not just a hobby for me; it's a defining part of who I am. I learned to play piano and guitar by watching YouTube videos and practicing every day in my free time. While in high school, I participated in marching band (in the fall), Pep Band (in the winter), Concert Band all year, Percussion Ensemble (in the winter), and Indoor Performance Ensemble (in the winter). While the work was demanding, being able to perform in front of friends and family with a group of peers who I consider a bonus family is a rewarding experience. My senior year of high school, I had three classes dedicated to music: Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Percussion Ensemble. I auditioned each year, 7th through 12th grade, for Select Band and was selected every year to participate. I also started several of our marching band pieces with a solo or had a solo within the pieces. My senior year, I started our main halftime piece with a trombone solo but switched to the Sousaphone to play the rest of the piece with the entire marching band. During choir my junior year of high school, I played the keyboard during one of our Beatles’ songs which was cool because my dad had asked me to learn that specific song when I first started playing the piano. My major is music education with an emphasis on vocals. I hope to teach music to elementary-aged children. I am good with young kids and love to see them excited about learning something new. I recently gave my 3-year old niece a set of drums (kid-size, of course), and seeing her smile and enjoy playing is so rewarding. I can't wait to teach her more as she gets older. I haven’t decided if I want to give private lessons or teach at an elementary school after I graduate, but I know that I want to instill the love of music in the next generation. Before this past Christmas, I picked a child’s ornament (Christmas list) from The Salvation Army tree at our local mall. I selected the ornament for a child who listed a small piano as the “toy” he wanted. I remember when I got my first keyboard and couldn’t wait to start playing. My girlfriend and I purchased a nice keyboard with the stand and stool (as well as the clothing requested) and delivered the gifts to The Salvation Army. The thought of the child seeing that keyboard on Christmas and being excited to play, definitely made it worth the time and money we put into it. No matter where life takes me, I know that I will always have music in my life. I don’t think I will ever stop playing instruments and singing, even if, God forbid, it’s just at home where no one hears it. Thank you for your time and consideration.

For as long as I can remember, music has been at the center of my life. Growing up, I couldn’t wait to join the middle school band to learn how to play an instrument; I chose the trombone. I also joined the middle school choir to try my tenor voice with a group. The Choir Director really helped me come out of my shell and step up to perform solos during concerts. Soon after, I started learning to play other instruments including the tuba, piano, and electric guitar. Music is not just a hobby for me; it's a defining part of who I am. I learned to play piano and guitar by watching YouTube videos and practicing every day in my free time. While in high school, I participated in marching band (in the fall), Pep Band (in the winter), Concert Band all year, Percussion Ensemble (in the winter), and Indoor Performance Ensemble (in the winter). While the work was demanding, being able to perform in front of friends and family with a group of peers who I consider a bonus family is a rewarding experience. My senior year of high school, I had three classes dedicated to music: Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Percussion Ensemble. I auditioned each year, 7th through 12th grade, for Select Band and was selected every year to participate. I also started several of our marching band pieces with a solo or had a solo within the pieces. My senior year, I started our main halftime piece with a trombone solo but switched to the Sousaphone to play the rest of the piece with the entire marching band. During choir my junior year of high school, I played the keyboard during one of our Beatles’ songs which was cool since my dad had asked me to learn that specific song when I first started playing the piano. My major is music education with an emphasis on vocals. I hope to teach music to elementary-aged children. I am good with young kids and love to see them excited about learning something new. I recently gave my 2-year old niece a set of drums (kid-size, of course), and seeing her smile and enjoy playing is awesome. I haven’t decided if I want to give private lessons or teach at an elementary school after I graduate, but I know that I want to try to instill the love of music in the next generation. Before this past Christmas, I picked a child’s ornament (Christmas list) from The Salvation Army tree at our local mall. I selected the ornament for a child who listed a small piano as the “toy” he wanted. My girlfriend and I purchased a nice keyboard with the stand and stool (as well as the clothing requested) and delivered the gifts to The Salvation Army. I remember when I got my first keyboard. I couldn’t wait to start playing. The thought of the child seeing that keyboard on Christmas and being excited to play it is definitely worth the time and money we put into it. No matter where life takes me, I know that I will always have music in my life. I don’t think I will ever stop playing instruments and singing, even if it’s just at home where no one hears it.

Donald Espen Miller Undergraduate at Northern Kentucky University Major: Music Education For as long as I can remember, music has been at the center of my life. Growing up, I couldn’t wait to join the middle school band to learn how to play an instrument; I chose the trombone. I also joined the middle school choir to try my tenor voice with a group. The Choir Director really helped me come out of my shell and step up to perform solos during concerts. Soon after, I started learning to play other instruments including the tuba, piano, and electric guitar. Music is not just a hobby for me; it's a defining part of who I am. I learned to play piano and guitar by watching YouTube videos and practicing every day in my free time. While in high school, I participated in marching band (in the fall), Pep Band (in the winter), Concert Band all year, Percussion Ensemble (in the winter), and Indoor Performance Ensemble (in the winter). While the work was demanding, being able to perform in front of friends and family with a group of peers who I consider a bonus family is a rewarding experience. My senior year of high school, I had three classes dedicated to music: Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Percussion Ensemble. I auditioned each year, 7th through 12th grade, for Select Band and was selected every year to participate. I also started several of our marching band pieces with a solo or had a solo within the pieces. My senior year, I started our main halftime piece with a trombone solo but switched to the Sousaphone to play the rest of the piece with the entire marching band. During choir my junior year of high school, I played the keyboard during one of our Beatles’ songs which was cool since my dad had asked me to learn that specific song when I first started playing the piano. My major is music education with an emphasis on vocals. I hope to teach music to elementary-aged children. I am good with young kids and love to see them excited about learning something new. I recently gave my 2-year old niece a set of drums (kid-size, of course), and seeing her smile and enjoy playing is awesome. I haven’t decided if I want to give private lessons or teach at a school after I graduate, but I know that I want to try to instill the love of music in the next generation. Before this past Christmas, I picked a child’s ornament (Christmas list) from The Salvation Army tree at our local mall. I selected the child because the toy he listed was a small piano. My girlfriend and I purchased a nice keyboard with the stand and stool (as well as the clothing requested) and delivered the gifts to The Salvation Army. I remember when I got my first keyboard. I couldn’t wait to start playing. The thought of him seeing the keyboard on Christmas and being excited to play it is definitely worth the time and money we put into it. No matter where life takes me, I know that I will always have music in my life. I don’t think I will ever stop playing instruments and singing, even if it’s just at home where no one hears it.

Donald Espen Miller Undergraduate at Northern Kentucky University Major: Music Education For as long as I can remember, music has been at the center of my life. Growing up, I couldn’t wait to join the middle school band to learn how to play an instrument; I chose the trombone. I also joined the middle school choir to try my tenor voice with a group. The Choir Director really helped me come out of my shell and step up to perform solos during concerts. Soon after, I started learning to play other instruments including the tuba, piano, and electric guitar. Music is not just a hobby for me; it's a defining part of who I am. I learned to play piano and guitar by watching YouTube videos and practicing almost every day in my free time. While in high school, I participated in marching band (in the fall), Pep Band (in the winter), Concert Band all year, Percussion Ensemble (in the winter), and Indoor Performance Ensemble (in the winter). While the work was demanding, being able to perform in front of friends and family with a group of peers who I consider a bonus family is a rewarding experience. My Senior year of high school, I had three classes dedicated to band: Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Percussion Ensemble. I auditioned each year 7th through 12th grade for Select Band and was selected every year to participate. I have also started several of our marching band pieces with a solo or had a solo within the pieces. My Senior year, I started our main halftime piece with a trombone solo but switched to the Sousaphone to play the rest of the piece with the entire marching band. During choir my Junior year, I played the keyboard during one of our Beatles’ songs which was pretty cool since my dad had asked me to learn that specific song when I first started learning the piano. My major is music education with an emphasis on vocals. I hope to teach music to elementary-aged children. I am good with young kids and love to see them excited about learning something new. I recently gave my 2-year old niece a set of drums (kid-size, of course), and seeing her smile and enjoy playing is awesome. No matter where life takes me, I know that I will always have music in my life. I don’t think I will ever stop playing instruments and singing, even if it’s just at home where no one hears it.

Donald Espen Miller Undergraduate at Northern Kentucky University Major: Music Education For as long as I can remember, music has been at the center of my life. Growing up, I couldn’t wait to join the middle school band to learn how to play an instrument; I chose the trombone. I also joined the middle school choir to try my tenor voice with a group. The Choir Director really helped me come out of my shell and step up to perform solos during concerts. Soon after, I started learning to play other instruments including the tuba, piano, and electric guitar. Music is not just a hobby for me; it's a defining part of who I am. I learned to play piano and guitar by watching YouTube videos and practicing almost every day in my free time. While in high school, I participated in marching band (in the fall), Pep Band (in the winter), Concert Band all year, Percussion Ensemble (in the winter), and Indoor Performance Ensemble (in the winter). While the work was demanding, being able to perform in front of friends and family with a group of peers who I consider a bonus family is a rewarding experience. My Senior year of high school, I had three classes dedicated to band: Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Percussion Ensemble. I auditioned each year 7th through 12th grade for Select Band and was selected every year to participate. I have also started several of our marching band pieces with a solo or had a solo within the pieces. My Senior year, I started our main halftime piece with a trombone solo but switched to the Sousaphone to play the rest of the piece with the entire marching band. During choir my Junior year, I played the keyboard during one of our Beatles’ songs which was pretty cool because my dad had asked me to learn that song when I first started learning the piano. I surprised my parents by not telling them about it before the concert. My major is music education. I would like to teach Elementary School music. I am good with young kids and love to see them excited about learning something new. I recently gave my 2-year old niece a set of drums (kid-size, of course), and seeing her smile and really enjoy learning to play is awesome. No matter where life takes me, I know that I will always have music in my life. I don’t think I will ever stop playing instruments and singing, even if it’s just at home where no one hears it.

Donald Espen Miller Accepted to Northern Kentucky University (Fall 2025) Major: Undecided (will be music or theatre) For as long as I can remember, music has been at the center of my life. Growing up, I couldn’t wait to join the middle school band to learn how to play an instrument; I chose the trombone. I also joined the middle school choir to try my tenor voice with a group. The Choir Director really helped me come out of my shell and step up to perform solos during concerts. Soon after, I started learning to play other instruments including the tuba, piano, and electric guitar. Music is not just a hobby for me; it's a defining part of who I am. I learned to play piano and guitar by watching YouTube videos and practicing almost every day in my free time. While in high school for the past 4 years, I participated in marching band (in the fall), Pep Band (in the winter), Concert Band all year, Percussion Ensemble, and Indoor Performance Ensemble. While the work was demanding, being able to perform in front of friends and family with a group of peers who I consider a bonus family is a rewarding experience. I currently have three classes dedicated to band: Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Percussion Ensemble. I auditioned each year since 7th grade for Select Band and was selected every year to participate. I have also started several of our marching band pieces with a solo or had a solo within the pieces. This past fall, I started our main piece with a trombone solo but switched to the Sousaphone after the solo to play the rest of the piece with the entire band while marching. I have always planned to learn multiple instruments and become the best musician I can be. My plan is to study music and/or theatre. I have teetered on whether to major in music performance, music education, or theatre for the past year, so I am going to start my freshman year as undecided. I will take the core classes and one or two classes in music and theatre. I think that will help me determine where my heart lies. The cost of higher education is expensive. Without scholarships, I’m not certain that I will be able to attend college. If I major in music education, I will teach Elementary School music. I am good with young kids and love to see them excited about learning something new. I recently gave my 2-year old niece a set of drums (kid-size, of course), and seeing her smile and really enjoy learning to play is awesome. If I major in music performance, I’d like to join the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra playing the tuba. Since they recruit nationally, this would be a tough dream to achieve. I have a great support system though so I know I can do it if I put my mind to it. I’m not sure what I would do if I majored in theatre. I really enjoy acting, but it’s not something I thought about until recently. I’ve been cast for five different plays in High School, including a few musicals. I recently played Donkey in our High School production of Shrek the Musical and received a lot of praise for my performance. Whichever major I choose, I know that I will always have music in my life. I don’t think I will ever stop playing instruments and singing, even if it’s just at home where no one will hear it.

For as long as I can remember, music has been at the center of my life. Growing up, I couldn’t wait to join the middle school band to learn how to play an instrument; I chose the trombone. I also joined the middle school choir to try my tenor voice with a group. The Choir Director really helped me come out of my shell and step up to perform solos during concerts. Soon after, I started learning to play other instruments including the tuba, piano, and electric guitar. Music is not just a hobby for me; it's a defining part of who I am. I learned to play piano and guitar by watching YouTube videos and practicing almost every day in my free time. While in high school for the past 4 years, I participated in marching band (in the fall), Pep Band (in the winter), Concert Band all year, Percussion Ensemble, and Indoor Performance Ensemble. While the work was demanding, being able to perform in front of friends and family with a group of peers who I consider a bonus family is a rewarding experience. I currently have three classes dedicated to band: Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Percussion Ensemble. I auditioned each year since 7th grade for Select Band and was selected every year to participate. I have also started several of our marching band pieces with a solo or had a solo within the pieces. This past fall, I started our main piece with a trombone solo but switched to the Sousaphone after the solo to play the rest of the piece with the entire band while marching. During choir last year, I played the keyboard during one of our Beatles’ songs which was pretty cool because my dad had asked me to learn that song when I first started learning the piano. I surprised my parents by not telling them about it before the concert. I have always planned to learn multiple instruments and become the best musician I can be. My plan is to study music and/or theatre. I have teetered on whether to major in music performance, music education, or theatre for the past year, so I am going to start my freshman year as undecided. I will take the core classes and one or two classes in music and theatre. I think that will help me determine where my heart lies. The cost of higher education is expensive. Without scholarships, I’m not certain that I will be able to attend college. If I major in music education, I will teach Elementary School music. I am good with kids and enjoy seeing them excited about music. I recently gave my 2-year old niece a set of drums (kid-size, of course). Seeing her smile while she plays is rewarding. If I major in music performance, I’d like to join the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra playing the tuba. Since they recruit nationally, this would be a tough dream to achieve, but I know I can do it if I put my mind to it. I’m not certain what I would do if I majored in theatre. I enjoy acting, but it’s not something I thought about until recently. I’ve been cast for five different plays in High School, including a few musicals. I recently played Donkey in our production of Shrek the Musical and received a lot of praise for my performance. Whichever major I choose, I know that I will always have music in my life. I don’t think I will ever stop playing and singing, even if it’s just at home with no audience.

Donald Espen Miller Accepted to the University of Kentucky (Fall 2025) Major: Music Performance - Tuba For as long as I can remember, music has been at the center of my life. I was always listening to music while wearing my headphones everywhere when I was in elementary school. I couldn’t wait to join the middle school band to learn how to play an instrument; I chose the trombone. I also joined the middle school choir. Soon after, I started learning to play other instruments including the tuba, piano, and electric guitar. Music is not just a hobby for me; it's a defining part of who I am. Whether I’m playing or listening, music is a constant, especially at school, where I have three classes dedicated to music: two with the entire band and one as a free practice period. Even on my worst days, I find solace in going to class and immersing myself in my practice. Beyond the personal benefits that music provides me, the enjoyment I get from practicing and playing is enhanced by the community that comes with it. The band room is a place where I can be myself, surrounded by peers from whom I never fear judgment. I’ve met my closest friends in band and choir, and I imagine music will continue to connect me with new people. In the fall, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and occasionally Fridays, I participated in marching band. While the work is demanding, being able to perform a show with a community I care so much about is a rewarding experience. After supporting our school at football games, many of us go out to eat together. Hanging out with everyone feels like more than just a school band; it feels like family. Saying that music occupies most of my time feels like an understatement—it defines who I am and who I aspire to be. Even when I’m not actively playing an instrument or singing, I’m continuously inspired to create and perform. Performing music is one of my favorite things to do, especially when it’s with the amazing community that I love. My passion for music is not just something I want to share, it’s a lifelong commitment, and I’m prepared to take it to the next level. I want to make an impact on the music world by becoming one of the top tuba players in the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. I know it won’t be easy to get there, but I have a feeling that I will have my “family” of band peers to encourage and support me when I need it.

Donald Espen Miller Accepted to the University of Kentucky (Fall 2025) Major: Music Performance - Tuba For as long as I can remember, music has been at the center of my life. Growing up, I couldn’t wait to join the middle school band to learn how to play an instrument; I chose the trombone. I also joined the middle school choir to try my tenor voice with a group. The Choir Director really helped me come out of my shell and step up to perform solos during some songs. Soon after, I started learning to play other instruments including the tuba, piano, and electric guitar. Music is not just a hobby for me; it's a defining part of who I am. I learned to play piano and guitar by watching YouTube videos and practicing almost every day in my free time. While in high school for the past 4 years, I participated in marching band (in the fall), Pep Band (in the winter) and Concert Band all year. While the work was demanding, being able to perform in front of friends and family with a group of peers who I consider a bonus family is a rewarding experience. I joined Winter Percussion last year and learned to play some of the percussion instruments. This year (my Senior year) I have three classes dedicated to band. They include Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and a free period that I use to practice in the band room. I auditioned each year since 7th grade (this year’s audition is coming up) for Select Band and was selected every year so far to participate. I have also started several of our marching band pieces with a solo or had a solo within the pieces. This past fall, I started our main piece with a trombone solo but switched to the Sousaphone after the solo to play the rest of the piece with the entire band while marching. During choir last year, I played the keyboard during one of our Beatles’ songs which was pretty cool because my dad had asked me to learn that song when I first started learning the piano. I surprised my parents by not telling them about it before the concert. I have always planned to learn multiple instruments and become the best musician I can be. After my current Band Director started at my school in my sophomore year, I really started to develop my plan for my future goals. This plan includes studying Music Performance at the University of Kentucky and becoming one of the top Tubists in the country. The cost of my higher education is expensive. Without scholarships, I’m not certain that I will be able to attend the University of my choice which could derail my plan for the future. My passion for music is not just something I want to share, it’s a lifelong commitment. I think I will be successful by completing my bachelor’s degree, then auditioning and being selected as a Tubist in the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. I know it won’t be easy to get there, but I know with hard work and dedication, I will be successful. I appreciate your time in reviewing my submission.

Donald Espen Miller Accepted to the University of Kentucky (Fall 2025) Major: Music Performance - Tuba For as long as I can remember, music has been at the center of my life. I was always listening to music while wearing my headphones everywhere when I was in elementary school. I couldn’t wait to join the middle school band to learn how to play an instrument; I chose the trombone. I also joined the middle school choir. Soon after, I started learning to play other instruments including the tuba, piano, and electric guitar. Music is not just a hobby for me; it's a defining part of who I am. Whether I’m playing or listening, music is a constant, especially at school, where I have three classes dedicated to music: two with the entire band and one as a free practice period. Even on my worst days, I find solace in going to class and immersing myself in my practice. Beyond the personal benefits that music provides me, the enjoyment I get from practicing and playing is enhanced by the community that comes with it. The band room is a place where I can be myself, surrounded by peers from whom I never fear judgment. I’ve met my closest friends in band and choir, and I imagine music will continue to connect me with new people. In the fall, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and occasionally Fridays, I participated in marching band. While the work is demanding, being able to perform a show with a community I care so much about is a rewarding experience. After supporting our school at football games, many of us go out to eat together. Hanging out with everyone feels like more than just a school band; it feels like family. Saying that music occupies most of my time feels like an understatement—it defines who I am and who I aspire to be. Even when I’m not actively playing an instrument or singing, I’m continuously inspired to create and perform. Performing music is one of my favorite things to do, especially when it’s with the amazing community that I love. My passion for music is not just something I want to share, it’s a lifelong commitment, and I’m prepared to take it to the next level. I want to make an impact on the music world by becoming one of the top tuba players in the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. I know it won’t be easy to get there, but I have a feeling that I will have my “family” of band peers to encourage and support me when I need it.

Donald Espen Miller Accepted to the University of Kentucky (Fall 2025) Major: Music Performance - Tuba For as long as I can remember, music has been at the center of my life. In Elementary School, I was always listening to music while wearing my headphones everywhere. I couldn’t wait to join the middle school band to learn how to play an instrument; I chose the trombone. I also joined the middle school choir. Soon after, I started learning to play other instruments including the tuba, piano, and electric guitar. Music is not just a hobby for me; it's a defining part of who I am. Whether I’m playing or listening, music is a constant, especially at school, where I have three classes dedicated to music: two with the entire band and one as a free practice period. Even on my worst days, I find solace in going to class and immersing myself in my practice. Beyond the personal benefits that music provides me, the enjoyment I get from practicing and playing is enhanced by the community that comes with it. The band room is a place where I can be myself, surrounded by peers from whom I never fear judgment. I’ve met my closest friends in band and choir, and I imagine music will continue to connect me with new people. In the fall, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and occasionally Fridays, I participated in marching band. While the work is demanding, being able to perform a show with a community I care so much about is a rewarding experience. After supporting our school at football games, many of us go out to eat together. Hanging out with everyone feels like more than just a school band; it feels like family. Saying that music occupies most of my time feels like an understatement—it defines who I am and who I aspire to be. Even when I’m not actively playing an instrument or singing, I’m continuously inspired to create and perform. Performing music is one of my favorite things to do, especially when it’s with the amazing community that I love. My passion for music is not just something I want to share, it’s a lifelong commitment, and I’m prepared to take it to the next level. I want to make an impact on the music world by becoming one of the top tuba players in the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. I know it won’t be easy to get there, but with my “family” of band peers to encourage and support me when I need it, and my passion for music, I know my goals are attainable.

When I was younger, I wanted to be a video game designer like most young boys but that changed my sophomore year of high school when a new band director was hired at my school. After just a few months of playing under the new director, Mr. Koeninger (Mr. K), I knew that music was the only thing I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I've always enjoyed music and joined the school band and choir during middle school. While I liked choir and was told I had a good tenor voice, I LOVED playing the trombone in the band. I really wanted to learn how to play multiple instruments and mentioned to my parents that I really wished we had a piano. I had been dabbling on the piano in the band room and teaching myself some short parts of songs that I liked. My mom found a used upright piano that was free to anyone who wanted to have it moved. After contacting the seller and scheduling the pickup and delivery with a moving company, I had an incredible piano to play, and I couldn't wait to have it tuned and get to work. Back at school in marching band, we didn't have a sousaphone player so the director asked for volunteers who would want to try it out. Since I wanted our band to sound the best it could, I volunteered after two younger band members were not able to carry the sousaphone while marching. To my surprise, I really liked playing the sousaphone which led to playing the tuba in concert band but for pep band, I still played the trombone. So I was getting to play multiple instruments during the year which was perfect for me. During this time, I had saved enough money to purchase an electric guitar and amp which was also something I wanted for a while. I was so excited to start learning to play the guitar. Using YouTube videos, I learned so many of my favorite songs and started a "garage" band with a couple friends. We play together once per week and have a lot of fun with it. Last year, I brought my guitar to a "talent show" that we had the last couple days of band camp and won first place for playing Enter Sandman by Metallica. I forgot to mention that I LOVE the 90's rock and alternative music but I actually listen to almost every style of music including classical, 60's (including The Beatles), 80's rock, country, and more. I've also participated in Winter Percussion, learning multiple percussion instruments. It was somewhat difficult to decide my exact major since I love playing multiple instruments, and I sing a little at times. I was able to narrow it down, though, and have been accepted to the University of Kentucky majoring in Music Performance for the Tuba. My goal is to one day play with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. I know it will be difficult since they recruit musicians nationally, but I have the determination and drive to get there. Any help with college tuition will be greatly appreciated. I won't know until next month if I will get any type of music scholarship from the University. My audition is in about 5 weeks. I am working hard on the pieces for the audition, but I know there will be some fierce competition since there are many students who will be auditioning for the same scholarships. Thanks so much for taking the time to review my application. I will keep my fingers crossed and