If given the opportunity, I would improve my community through two powerful forms of service: the gift of music and the act of beautifying our neighborhoods. These efforts reflect who I am at my core—a musician, a volunteer, and someone who deeply values the power of inspiration and care. As a lifelong musician, I’ve seen firsthand how music can uplift, unite, and heal. Whether performing at school events or sharing songs with family and friends, I’ve come to understand that music isn’t just entertainment—it’s a universal language that speaks to emotion, encourages connection, and ignites hope. My goal is to bring more music into local spaces, such as schools, community centers, and nursing homes. I want to create programs where young people can learn instruments, find their voices, and develop confidence through creative expression. One way I could accomplish this is by hosting free workshops or performances. In the future, I hope to reach those who may not have access to the arts otherwise. Music inspired me to dream bigger and to keep going through tough times; I want to give others that same strength. In addition to sharing music, I am committed to improving the physical spaces in my community. In high school, I was part of the botany club, where I discovered the joy of caring for the environment. We planted flowers around campus, cleaned up neglected areas, and learned how green spaces affect mental and emotional well-being. This experience taught me that beauty, even in small doses, can transform how people feel about where they live. I want to organize neighborhood clean-up days, plant community gardens, and advocate for better maintenance of public areas. These efforts may seem simple, but they send a message: this place matters, and so do the people who live here. What connects both of these goals—music and beautification—is a desire to give back. I believe that when people feel seen, supported, and inspired, they begin to believe in their potential. That’s what I want to do: help others find pride in their surroundings and in themselves. Improving my community isn’t just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about creating spaces—both physical and emotional—where people can thrive. This mission is important to me because I’ve benefited from a strong, supportive community myself. Mentors, teachers, and friends believed in me and encouraged my passions. Now, I want to pay that forward. Whether through a song that lifts someone’s spirit or a garden that brings color to a once-empty corner, I hope to make lasting change—one note, one flower, one act of kindness at a time.

Throughout my life, I've acquired and lost many different hobbies and interests, but for some reason, music has been one of the ones that has stayed. I have always struggled with finding my purpose in life, as I believe every individual has one. Throughout my school years, I had a hard time finding my identity. I love trying new things, but I never really saw myself sticking to anything that much. I would always feel like such an outcast, and it felt like I never really fit in with anyone. That was until I started to get into music. I found myself really enjoying music and playing for others. Back when I was in fifth grade, preparing to move on to middle school, we had the Middle School tour that showed the different electives available for moving on into sixth grade. I had a great conversation with the band teacher, and ultimately, band class became, single-handedly, one of my favorite classes! Something about creating music with a larger group of people was just so enticing to me. I remember feeling immense joy; I finally found something that really itched my brain and tasked me. Band wasn’t just a class; it became a second family. The friendships I formed there remain some of my closest today. Among my bandmates, I felt accepted and understood. We were all united by one passion—the shared love of making music for others. Supporting and uplifting my peers through music has always brought me immense satisfaction, and that feeling has only deepened as I’ve grown. Music, to me, is much more than just notes on a page or sounds coming from instruments. It’s a powerful form of connection that can inspire, motivate, and heal. Learning an instrument develops vital skills like coordination, creativity, and focus—skills that extend far beyond music itself. But the true magic of music lies in its emotional impact. It has the unique ability to resonate with people’s souls and stir feelings that words alone often cannot express. One area where music’s power is especially profound is in film. The right soundtrack can transform a scene, evoking suspense, joy, sadness, or excitement, often without the audience even realizing it. This intersection of music and storytelling fascinates me. It’s not just entertainment—it’s a deeply moving art form that shapes how we experience stories. Because of this, my long-term goal is to perform professionally in an orchestra that contributes to movies and other media. I want to be part of the creative process that brings stories to life through music. Beyond performance, I plan to pursue studies in music therapy, combining my passion for music with a desire to help others heal and find comfort through sound. I believe music has the power to change lives, just as it has changed mine. I’m excited to continue my journey as a Music Performance major in undergraduate school, honing my craft and expanding my understanding of music’s possibilities. Whether on stage performing or in therapy rooms helping people find their own spark, I am committed to using music to inspire, connect, and support others. Music gave me a sense of belonging and purpose when I needed it most, and I want to share that gift with the world.

Music has been the most powerful and transformative force in my life. It has challenged me, grounded me, and given me a deep sense of purpose. More than a skill or extracurricular activity, music has shaped the way I view the world, taught me how to overcome obstacles, and shown me the impact we can have on others through sound, emotion, and connection. My musical journey hasn’t been easy. When I joined my college’s stage band and saxophone choir, I had to learn a new instrument. At first, I struggled to keep up with others who had more experience. There were moments when I questioned if I belonged. But I kept practicing—often staying late after rehearsals, listening intently to feedback, and pushing myself to improve. By the end of the year, I was honored with “Most Improved” awards in both ensembles. That recognition was a reflection of the dedication, discipline, and resilience I had built through music. Music has also helped me grow as a leader and supporter of others. I’ve taken pride in being someone my peers can lean on. Whether it's helping a section-mate learn new music, offering words of encouragement during a tough practice, or simply being a positive presence during stressful performances, I’ve seen firsthand how music brings people together and creates a community built on trust, patience, and mutual growth. Helping to boost morale and create a supportive atmosphere is one of the most rewarding parts of being a musician. Music has given me a voice, even when words have failed. It’s taught me how to listen deeply, express myself honestly, and connect with people from all walks of life. As I continue on my path, I hope to pursue a career that allows me to use music not just as a form of art, but as a tool for healing, empowerment, and education. I want my music to reach people—especially those who may feel unseen or unheard. Ultimately, I believe music can change lives because it changed mine. It gave me confidence when I doubted myself, community when I felt alone, and a purpose that drives me forward. Through my music career, I plan to inspire the next generation of musicians, create inclusive spaces for expression, and use my platform to bring people together. Music shaped who I am, and I’m committed to using it to make a lasting, positive impact on the world.

Music has been one of the most powerful and transformative forces in my life. It has challenged me, grounded me, and given me a deep sense of purpose. More than just a skill or extracurricular activity, music has shaped the way I view the world, taught me how to overcome obstacles, and shown me the impact we can have on others through sound, emotion, and connection. My musical journey hasn’t always been easy. When I joined my college’s stage band and saxophone choir, I had to learn a new instrument from the ground up. At first, I struggled to keep up with others who had years of experience. There were moments when I questioned if I belonged. But I kept practicing—often staying late after rehearsals, listening intently to feedback, and pushing myself to improve. Over time, that hard work paid off. By the end of the year, I was honored with “Most Improved” awards in both ensembles. That recognition wasn’t just about musical progress—it was a reflection of the dedication, discipline, and resilience I had built through music. Music has also helped me grow as a leader and supporter of others. In marching band and other ensembles, I’ve taken pride in being someone my peers can lean on. Whether it's helping a sectionmate learn a difficult piece, offering words of encouragement during a tough practice, or simply being a positive presence during stressful performances, I’ve seen firsthand how music brings people together and creates a community built on trust, patience, and mutual growth. Helping to boost morale and create a supportive atmosphere is one of the most rewarding parts of being a musician. Music has given me a voice, even when words have failed. It’s taught me how to listen deeply, express myself honestly, and connect with people from all walks of life. As I continue on my path, I hope to pursue a career that allows me to use music not just as a form of art, but as a tool for healing, empowerment, and education. Whether I’m performing, teaching, or composing, I want my music to reach people—especially those who may feel unseen or unheard. Ultimately, I believe music can change lives because it changed mine. It gave me confidence when I doubted myself, community when I felt alone, and a purpose that drives me forward every day. Through my music career, I plan to give back by inspiring the next generation of musicians, creating inclusive spaces for artistic expression, and using my platform to bring people together. Music has shaped who I am, and I’m committed to using it to make a lasting, positive impact on the world.

Music has been one of the most powerful and transformative forces in my life. It has challenged me, grounded me, and given me a deep sense of purpose. More than just a skill or extracurricular activity, music has shaped the way I view the world, taught me how to overcome obstacles, and shown me the impact we can have on others through sound, emotion, and connection. My musical journey hasn’t always been easy. When I joined my college’s stage band and saxophone choir, I had to learn a new instrument from the ground up. At first, I struggled to keep up with others who had more experience. There were moments when I questioned if I belonged. But I kept practicing—often spending after hours in the practice rooms, listening intently to feedback, and pushing myself to improve. Over time, that hard work paid off. By the end of the year, I was honored with “Most Improved” awards in both ensembles. That recognition wasn’t just about musical progress—it was a reflection of the dedication, discipline, and resilience I had built through music. Music has also helped me grow as a leader and supporter of others. In marching band and other ensembles, I’ve taken pride in being someone my peers can lean on. Whether it's helping a sectionmate learn a difficult piece, offering words of encouragement during a tough practice, or simply being a positive presence during stressful performances, I’ve seen firsthand how music brings people together and creates a community built on trust, patience, and mutual growth. Helping to boost morale and create a supportive atmosphere is one of the most rewarding parts of being a musician. Music has given me a voice, even when words have failed. It’s taught me how to listen deeply, express myself honestly, and connect with people from all walks of life. As I continue on my path, I hope to pursue a career that allows me to use music not just as a form of art, but as a tool for healing, empowerment, and education. Whether I’m performing, teaching, or composing, I want my music to reach people—especially those who may feel unseen or unheard. Ultimately, I believe music can change lives because it changed mine. It gave me confidence when I doubted myself, community when I felt alone, and a purpose that drives me forward every day. Through my music career, I plan to give back by inspiring the next generation of musicians, creating inclusive spaces for artistic expression, and using my platform to bring people together. Music has shaped who I am, and I’m committed to using it to make a lasting, positive impact on the world.

One of the most defining challenges I’ve faced was failing my AP Environmental Science class in my junior year of high school. For someone who took pride in academics, that failure hit hard. It shook my confidence and made me question my abilities. But instead of giving up, I chose to confront my failure head-on. I retook the class, dedicating long hours to studying, asking for help when I needed it, and learning to approach difficult material in new ways. Passing the class the second time wasn’t just about a grade—it was a personal victory and a reminder that setbacks do not define me. My willingness to grow from failure has continued to guide me. Overcoming failure transformed my understanding of success and became the catalyst for my pursuit of excellence. That same drive carried me into my freshman year of college, where I earned a 3.68 GPA and was inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta, a national honor society that recognizes academic excellence in first-year students. Balancing a rigorous academic schedule alongside the demanding commitments of marching band—rehearsals, performances, and travel—was no easy task. Marching band required discipline, time management, and physical endurance, often stretching long into evenings and weekends. Yet, my commitment to learning and personal growth never wavered. My GPA was more than just a number; it was a reflection of how far I’d come since struggling in High School and a testament to what I could achieve when I pushed myself with focus and determination. Beyond academics, music has been another powerful area of growth for me. As a member of both the stage band and saxophone choir, I faced a steep learning curve—especially when I had to pick up a new instrument. At first, I struggled. The technique, tone, and performance style were all unfamiliar to me. However, I practiced consistently, often going beyond the required rehearsal time to improve. My effort didn’t go unnoticed. At the end of the year, I received the "Most Improved" award from both ensembles. It wasn’t just about musical talent; it was about perseverance, the ability to take feedback, and the passion to better myself. Something that has been just as meaningful to me has been helping others rise alongside me. In band, I’ve made it a personal mission to uplift my peers—whether it’s encouraging someone who’s frustrated during rehearsal, helping a sectionmate learn a difficult passage, or simply reminding others why we love making music in the first place. I’ve learned how much a kind word or patient explanation can mean when someone feels like giving up. Boosting morale during long practices or stressful performance weeks has become second nature to me because I know firsthand how hard it can be to stay motivated. Supporting my bandmates through both the technical and emotional challenges has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my experience, and it reminds me that success is sweeter when it’s shared. In all these experiences, I’ve come to understand that success isn’t about perfection—it’s about growth. It’s about refusing to let failure define you, and instead, using it as fuel to become stronger. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and even prouder of the resilience I’ve built along the way. That resilience has become a core part of who I am, and it will continue to guide me as I pursue new challenges, both in and beyond the classroom.

Music has changed my life in ways I never imagined. My earliest encounter with music was through the elementary school recorder—a simple instrument I wasn’t particularly skilled at, but one that still sparked a sense of curiosity. I remember the feeling of holding it in my hands and attempting to make sound, even though my playing was far from perfect. It wasn’t until a middle school elective tour, however, that music truly captured my attention in a way it never had before. As I spoke with the band teacher and learned about the instruments and the exciting possibilities in the world of music, I felt a newfound interest ignite. Eager to dive in, I signed up for band class and quickly realized it was more than just an elective—it was the highlight of my day. Each rehearsal was an opportunity to not only improve my skills but also to experience something that felt much larger than myself. Though I enjoyed performing during the middle school concerts and made a few friends, I hadn’t yet developed a deep passion for music. I saw it more as a fun activity than a calling. That all began to change in eighth grade during “middle school night,” when we had the opportunity to play alongside the high school marching band. I remember feeling nervous and completely out of my comfort zone socially, surrounded by older, more experienced musicians. But the moment we began playing together, something inside me shifted. The energy, the unity, and the sound of the full band left a lasting impression. In that moment, something clicked musically—and a flame was lit that has only grown stronger ever since. High school was a very transformative part of my journey where I really started to discover my identity and who I am through the power of music, but I had taken a whole new leap entering my first year of college, which was a big shift for me. At this point music was 100% my passion and I decided to join the university marching band, determined to take my found love for music to the next level and this opened up a whole new world. I have never felt such a strong sense of community like this before and attending an HBCU definitely help me find my place and who I am. I made such strong connections for just my first year, and I feel as if I’ve gained new lifelong friends with the people that marched alongside with me. Music taught me so much more than how to produce some neat sounds through a piece of metal; it taught me discipline, perseverance, and the value of hard work. Through countless hours of practice and rehearsal, I learned the importance of patience and dedication, understanding that progress comes with time and effort. Each note, each scale, and each rhythm was a lesson in focus and precision, while the challenges I faced along the way helped me build resilience. Music also taught me the power of teamwork, as I collaborated with others to create something greater than any individual effort could achieve. It instilled in me a sense of responsibility, knowing that every performance was a reflection of not just my abilities, but of the collective work of the entire band. In essence, music has shaped me into a more disciplined, hardworking, and determined individual, both in and outside of the classroom, where furthermore I was dedicated to excel academically. Music has shaped every part of who I am—teaching me discipline, building my confidence, creating lasting friendships, and inspiring both personal and academic growth.

I've been a music student since middle school, but I wouldn't say my passion for music started there. Music has been a consistent part of my life, even as other hobbies and interests came and went. It’s more than just something I enjoy; it’s something that inspires me, connects me to others, and gives me purpose. I’m fortunate to have had both of my parents by my side, constantly supporting and encouraging me. My mother, in particular, played a powerful role in igniting my love for music. From singing to me while I was still in the womb to surrounding me with musical toys as a child, she helped music become an everyday part of my early life. I remember the joy those sounds brought me and how naturally music seemed to flow through our home. My dad has always been my biggest supporter, and knowing that both of my parents believe in me has given me the confidence to keep going, even during the more challenging moments. One of the most pivotal moments in my journey came in fifth grade during the middle school elective tour. I met the band teacher, Mr. Sutton, and that conversation alone made me eager to join band class the following year. What started as a class turned into a lifelong passion. Mr. Sutton is someone I’ll never forget—known for his sense of humor and fun personality, but also for his high expectations and deep dedication to his students. He brought an energy to the classroom that made learning music exciting and meaningful. His belief in me and his ability to bring out the best in all of us truly pushed me to keep going and become the best musician I could be. As I grew older and more involved in music, I began to understand how powerful the arts really are. Music isn’t just sound—it’s emotion, memory, healing, and connection. It has the ability to spark something in people that can’t be replicated in any other way. Whether it's joy, motivation, or even comfort, music reaches people at their core. That understanding is what inspired me to pursue a future where I can use my talents to help others. That’s why I’ve decided to major in Music Performance as an undergraduate student, with the long-term goal of becoming a music therapist. I want to use the tools I’ve gained through years of music education to give back to others, especially those who may need healing, hope, or inspiration. Music has given me so much—it’s only right that I use it to help others experience that same spark. Taking on music gave me direction, identity, and purpose. Without it, I’m not sure I would have discovered my true passion or the confidence to follow it. From the love and support of my family to the guidance of teachers like Mr. Sutton, I’ve been lucky to have people in my life who believed in me. Their impact, combined with the power of music itself, is what continues to push me forward.

Hi, my name is Elijah Prosser-Dotson, and I've been a music student since middle school. Throughout my life, I've acquired and lost many different hobbies and interests, but for some reason, music has been one of the ones that has stayed. I really enjoy music and playing for others. Back when I was in fifth grade, preparing to move on to middle school, we had the Middle School tour that showed the different electives available for moving on into sixth grade. I had a great conversation with the band teacher, and ultimately, band class became, single-handedly, one of my favorite classes! Something about creating music with a larger group of people was just so enticing to me. Band class was where I made most of my friends, and I am still great friends with some today. The people in my band class have always felt like a second family to me, and I have always felt safe around them. Knowing that almost everyone around me shared similar interests and that we were all brought together by one passion was a great feeling, the passion of creating for others. I've always taken joy in being able to support and provide for others, as it is such a sweet feeling. As the years passed, I started learning about my place in the world and how powerful music is. The unique thing about music is that it can create a particular type of spark in a person that you can't get from anything else. This 'spark' is a feeling of inspiration, motivation, and joy that music can ignite in us. Learning a new instrument can help you develop real-world skills like coordination, creativity, and even comprehension skills. Learning the ability to create music is like a superpower in the sense that music reacts with your brain in such a way that it can affect your emotions and stimulate your brain to do mighty things. If you think about movies, music is probably one of the most critical aspects. It might be subconscious to a person, but the music in a film creates different emotions and sensations for the viewer and adds depth to the visuals happening on the screen. The way music connects with our souls is fascinating and exciting, and I aim to provide that for others in the future! I will be attending undergraduate school as a Music Performance major, but my long-term goal is to take music therapy in the future, providing for others in the way I know best, which is music.

Throughout my life, I've acquired and lost many different hobbies and interests, but for some reason, music has been one of the ones that has stayed. I have always struggled with finding my purpose in life, as I believe every individual has one. Throughout my school years, I had a hard time finding my identity. I love trying new things, but I never really saw myself sticking to anything that much. I would always feel like such an outcast, and it felt like I never really fit in with anyone. That was until I started to get into music. I found myself really enjoying music and playing for others. Back when I was in fifth grade, preparing to move on to middle school, we had the Middle School tour that showed the different electives available for moving on into sixth grade. I had a great conversation with the band teacher, and ultimately, band class became, single-handedly, one of my favorite classes! Something about creating music with a larger group of people was just so enticing to me. I remember feeling immense joy; I finally found something that really itched my brain and tasked me. Band class was where I made most of my friends, and I am still great friends with some today. The people in my band class have always felt like a second family to me, and I have always felt safe around them. I've always felt accepted by my bandmates around me, and I finally felt like someone. Knowing that almost everyone around me shared similar interests and that we were all brought together by one passion was a great feeling, the passion of creating for others. I've always taken joy in being able to support and provide for others, as it is such a sweet feeling. As the years passed, I started learning about my place in the world and how powerful music is. The unique thing about music is that it can create a specific type of spark in a person that you can't get from anything else. This 'spark' is a feeling of inspiration, motivation, and joy that music can ignite in us. Learning a new instrument can help you develop fundamental world skills like coordination, creativity, and even comprehension skills. Learning the ability to create music is like a superpower in the sense that music reacts with your brain in such a way that it can affect your emotions and stimulate your brain to do mighty things. If you think about movies, music is probably one of the most critical aspects. It might be subconscious to a person, but the music in a film creates different emotions and sensations for the viewer and adds depth to the visuals happening on the screen. The way music connects with our souls is fascinating and exciting to me, and my goal is to provide that for others in the future! I will be going into undergraduate school as a Music Performance major, but my long-term goal is to take music therapy in the future, providing for others in the way I know best: music.

Hi, my name is Elijah Prosser-Dotson, and I've been a music student since middle school, but I wouldn't say my passion for music started there. Throughout my life, I've acquired and lost many different hobbies and interests, but for some reason, music has been one of the ones that has stayed. I am forever grateful that I have had the privilege of having both of my parents in my life and having them support me all the way. They are truly inspiring people, and I feel confident to say that my Mom definitely played a part in unlocking my spark. Even since I was in the womb, my mother would sing to me just about every day. As a child, I grew up with different musical toys, and I remember the joy that would flood my brain. I can't say that I would be where I am today without my Mom or even my Dad for always supporting me in everything I do. I really enjoy music and playing for others. Back when I was in fifth grade, preparing to move on to middle school, we had the Middle School tour that showed the different electives available for moving on into sixth grade. I had a great conversation with the band teacher, and ultimately, band class became, single-handedly, one of my favorite classes! That brings me to another person who I really found inspiring to me, Mr. Sutton. Everyone who knows Mr. Sutton knows he is one of the most humorous teachers you'll ever get to meet, but when it was time to get serious, everyone knew not to mess with him. His teaching style, energy, and passion were always very inspiring to me, and he had always given me the drive to keep pushing and searching for the best version of myself. He was an incredible teacher, and I can definitely say that he gave me all the tools I needed to become great at what I do. I've always taken joy in being able to support and provide for others, as it is such a sweet feeling. As the years passed, I started learning about my place in the world and how powerful music truly is. The unique thing about music is that it can create a particular type of spark in a person that you can't get from anything else. This 'spark' is a feeling of inspiration, motivation, and joy that music can ignite in us. Learning a new instrument can help you develop real-world skills like coordination, creativity, and even comprehension skills. Learning the ability to create music is like a superpower in the sense that music reacts with your brain in such a way that it can affect your emotions and stimulate your brain to do mighty things. If you think about movies, music is probably one of the most critical aspects. It might be subconscious to a person, but the music in a film creates different emotions and sensations for the viewer and adds depth to the visuals happening on the screen. The way music connects with our souls is fascinating and exciting, and I aim to provide that for others in the future! I believe that we were all placed into this world to give back to society with the tools we were given, so I will be attending undergraduate school as a Music Performance major. Still, my long-term goal is to take music therapy in the future, being able to provide for others in the way I know best, which is music.

Hi, my name is Elijah Prosser-Dotson, and I've been a music student since middle school. Throughout my life, I've acquired and lost many different hobbies and interests, but for some reason, music has been one of the ones that has stayed. I really enjoy music and playing for others. Back when I was in fifth grade, preparing to move on to middle school, we had the Middle School tour that showed the different electives available for moving on into sixth grade. I had a great conversation with the band teacher, and ultimately, band class became, single-handedly, one of my favorite classes! Something about creating music with a larger group of people was just so enticing to me. Band class was where I made most of my friends, and I am still great friends with some today. The people in my band class have always felt like a second family to me, and I have always felt safe around them. Knowing that almost everyone around me shared similar interests and that we were all brought together by one passion was a great feeling, the passion of creating for others. I've always taken joy in being able to support and provide for others, as it is such a sweet feeling. As the years grew by, I started to learn my place in the world and how powerful music truly is. The unique thing about music is that it can create a particular type of spark in a person that you can't get from anything else. This 'spark' is a feeling of inspiration, motivation, and joy that music can ignite in us. Learning a new instrument can help you develop real-world skills like coordination, creativity, and even comprehension skills. Learning the ability to create music is like a superpower in the sense that music reacts with your brain in such a way that it can affect your emotions and stimulate your brain to do mighty things. If you think about movies, music is probably one of the most critical aspects. It might be subconscious to a person, but the music in a film creates different emotions and sensations for the viewer and adds depth to the visuals that are happening on the screen. The way music connects with our souls is fascinating and exciting, and I aim to provide that for others in the future! I will be going into undergraduate school as a Music Performance major, but my long-term goal is to take music therapy in the future, being able to provide for others in the way I know best which is music.

Band by far has changed my life in ways I would have never imagined. Many people have a shared memory of the introduction to music in elementary school; the recorder, which I was never really good at, although I do recall enjoying the experience. My interest in joining the band was piqued during the Middle School tour that showed the different electives available in sixth grade. I had a great conversation with the band teacher and ultimately band class became single-handedly, one of my favorite classes. While I made a few friends, loved performances, and looked forward to band class the most, I wasn’t fully passionate about band…yet. One of my first big experiences with music occurred in eighth grade when I had the opportunity to participate in “middle school night”; an event where the middle school band plays with the high school marching band. This experience was both magical and a bit daunting for me as socially I was out of my comfort zone, but musically, the flame had been ignited. I've never experienced band in such a powerful way, and I needed more. Right then I decided I wanted to pursue marching band in high school. My first year of high school was during the COVID-19 pandemic, and with remote learning in effect, there were no in-person band classes that year. Adjusting to remote learning was tough for many people, and personally, it sent me deeper into my social shell. Still, in my Sophomore year, I cautiously joined the marching band playing the clarinet, and it was one of the best decisions I've made in high school! I had finally found a group of amazing people who I could connect with, and I started to feel my passion develop. the marching band felt like such a second family to me, and making music with such talented people made me crave more. In my Junior year, I was entering my second year with the marching band and felt my confidence growing. I had now made many new friends and appreciated that I fit in somewhere; I was stepping out of my shell socially. During this time, I taught myself to play a new instrument -the saxophone- which I never saw myself doing previously. I was stepping into new territory with this instrument but I was committed and determined to master this new skill. When my band director learned that I also play the saxophone, she asked me if I’d be willing to switch during the upcoming marching season, and I gladly accepted the challenge. Doing so introduced me to the magic of embracing the unfamiliar. I knew that this was something I would be doing for a while. Going into my senior year of band camp, I was focused on making a difference and leaving my mark. I think back to my first-ever band director, and how strongly he influenced me and guided me through my musical pathway. Band became my transformative journey, revealing layers of personal growth and self-discovery. Music has allowed me to experience and occupy many different spaces, from Jazz band, to choir, to the school's musical pit, to marching band competitions, and more. Each new opportunity presented unique challenges and fears while requiring new skills, all of which I am proud to say I've embraced and conquered. Band overall is both mentally and physically demanding which requires a certain level of discipline that translates in other areas of my life. I am a much more confident, cultured, and well-rounded individual because of music and band and I am ever so grateful for taking the risk.

My career goals are to take my music ability to the next level, and to be able to provide a new service in this world with music. I am interested in pursuing a degree in Music because it is my passion. Back when I was a little boy entering middle school is when I got my spark for music, I learned how deep music fuels your soul, and since then, I have been determined to get better and better. Ever since I was that young little boy, I always knew that when I get older, I wanted to help people in some way. I found out really early that helping others is such a good feeling, and even just the little things can make someone’s day. It felt really good seeing that my actions were able to bring others up and help solve problems. The special thing about music is that it can create a certain type of spark in a person that you can’t get from anything else. Learning a new instrument can help you develop real world skills like coordination and creativity and even comprehension skills. Learning the ability to create music is like a super power in the sense that music reacts with your brain in such a way that it can affect your emotions and stimulate your brain to do powerful things. If you think about movies, music is probably one of the most important parts. It might be subconscious to a person but the music in a film creates different emotions for the viewer and adds depth to the visuals happening on screen. The way music connects with our souls is really exciting and interesting to me, and I’d love to provide that for others in the future! The cool thing about music is that we all can understand it. Music is a universal language that brings us together as a whole. You can find various kinds and styles of music all across the world pretty much everywhere you go. Using all of that, I believe pursuing a degree in music is right for me. Music is what I know best, and this scholarship will help take my knowledge and ability to greater heights for me to apply into the real world. My goal in undergrad is to take on psychology and add on my major little by little to set me up in the future as I would like to furthermore, pursue an education in music therapy to become a music therapist. This is the right spot for me as I would be able to do the two things I know best. Help people and playing music.