My fascination with the electric bass began around sixth grade when I was drawn to music from the 1970s and ’80s. But it wasn’t until seventh grade, during the pandemic, that I truly dedicated myself to the instrument. During the quarantine, I spent every day, and often all night long, practicing and listening. This passion for the electric bass eventually led to my transitioning to the upright bass in high school, where I became actively involved in concert band and jazz bands. The introduction to high school band became defining for me. Of all the places and experiences that I have had in my life, there simply has been none that has compared to the profoundness of the high school band experience at Bloomington South High School. I remember the first day walking in the door and being immediately hit with the feeling of intensity and passion from the band directors and fellow classmates, the same intensity and passion for music that I had garnered for many years but had yet to truly reveal itself. For me, finding a place where I fit in was very difficult in elementary and middle school. There had not been anything at the time that allowed me to make my passion known to my teachers and peers. The band program was the reason that I was able to feel like I mattered. It boosted my confidence, maturity, and discipline in all other aspects of my high school life. I was able to comfortably explore what it meant to be a musician without having the feeling that I would be invalidated or devalued. Not to mention, the support and encouragement of my friends and directors was what made it so fun and memorable. Everybody had a common goal which they wanted to achieve and doing that with other people who love it, in my opinion, is the truest form of human expression and creativity that can be found. Pass forward, my music interest made it possible for me to apply to the prestigious music schools I am considering. The music experience in the concert band and jazz band at Bloomington South helped me face challenges with intellect and discipline. Without it, I might not have had a strong GPA, a meaningful athletic experience on the swim team and the soccer team, or a place where I felt like I really belonged. Music gave me a community free of drama and negativity, and instead a place where people worked together with discipline and good faith to create something impactful—great music and lasting friendships.