One email and two teachers changed my life forever. It was 5th grade year when the teacher let us try out string instruments for the first time. I chose the cello. My mom informed me about an email she had received from my orchestra teacher. She said, “Eugene has a lot of potential and I think he should stick with orchestra.” This was the email that changed my life forever. Orchestra in middle school was a big challenge for me. Compared to elementary school I felt so out of place. Everybody there was so much better than I was. The music teacher was very strict and demanding. In 7th grade I auditioned for a chamber ensemble group. I didn’t get in. I re-auditioned but still did not make it. She saw my potential and said that I was a fast learner and tried hard. She suggested I take private lessons. I have a private teacher whom I work with to this day. Although I didn’t make the chamber ensemble, she let me practice with them every week and gradually worked my way into the ensemble. Being in that ensemble pushed me to my true limit and challenged me. In 8th grade, Mrs. Kidd encouraged me to audition for All-County Orchestra. I practiced until I couldn’t anymore. During the audition, as I waited in the warmup room I didn’t know if I was ready. I stepped into the audition room after they called my name. I played to the best of my ability. I later walked out of the audition room not knowing how to feel about the audition. After a week, I found out that I made All-County Orchestra, which was an amazing feeling, but it more importantly taught me the true definition of hard work. Freshman year in high school was virtual. It was still a bit of an adjustment getting used to music online. The real challenge was the end of the year audition for Colgan’s Ensemble group. I auditioned for the top ensemble but didn’t make it. This hurt at first, but I realized I didn’t practice nearly as much as I could’ve. Sophomore year was slightly easier, but I felt like I struggled trying to improve. Throughout the year it got easier, and end of the year auditions came again. This was my chance at redemption. So, I practiced and once again I didn’t make the top ensemble. This was my wakeup call. Junior year everything changed; I practiced more and became section leader in my ensemble, and more opportunities started to open such as: participate in various colleges’ studio class and practice with their orchestras; participated in JMU Spring String Thing; playing at several community events; being the opening artist for a gospel artist; and a finalist for the Honors Performance Series 2024. When my end of year audition came, I practiced so much until I couldn’t play it wrong. I played my audition the best I could and after I walked out of there, I knew I could be proud of that audition because I worked hard for it. I made the top ensemble. Those teachers motivated, inspired, and helped me realize the importance of hard work and dedication. My love and passion for music has grown tremendously. I chose music performance because it is joy to watch how your music inspires and encourages people. I want to open a music studio to teach others to play the cello and give someone the same opportunity that was given to me and watch them soar. I’ve had 2 students, what joy teaching others to play!

I would love to have a scholarship because it will help me continue my dream and my passion. My dream is to open a music studio and teach others to play the cello. The plan to achieve my dream is to go to college and major in music performance and minor in business. After college, I would like to do music performances (music performance degree) and open a music studio (business degree) to teach others to play the cello. This is my dream. I have begun the journey of owning my studio. I am a member of the Colgan National Honor Society. I am taking Dual Enrollment classes as well as AP classes. I want to give myself the best opportunity to be accepted by colleges. I have been taking private lessons for seven years. I began this journey in 2021 by playing my cello at my church on special occasions. That eventually led to me playing for the Interdenominational Church Ushers Association of Virginia, Inc. It started with me playing one song at each of the events that I was asked to play at. Last year, I played at a Mother’s Day Tea and received my first love donation. Later in the year, I played at a scholarship program and received my second love donation. From there, opportunities have opened for me. When I visited Longwood University for the first time, I had the opportunity to sit in on a studio class and practice with their orchestra. On my second visit to Longwood University, I participated in a studio class by playing a song. I also had the opportunity to practice with the JMU Symphony orchestra and participated in their Spring String Thing for the last 3 years. I have played at several community events, such as the Links Incorporated Alumna Program, the Virginia Baptist Association, and the Fairfax Central Baptist Sunday School Union just to name a few. I’ve practiced with the VCU orchestra. I had the amazing opportunity of being the opening artist for Patrick Lundy and the Ministries of Music. I am a finalist for the 2024 Honors Performance Series where I will play at Carnegie Hall in February 2024. I am excited about this opportunity. I do other things well such as competing in local competitions. I play in different recitals throughout the year. During the summer, I participated in a cello ensemble program. I take advantage of any music opportunities that I can find. I have participated in different colleges' music preview day. This is to give me insight into what it will be like to be a music major in college. I play the cello as my primary instrument but I’m also taking piano, in an orchestra at my school as a double bass player in addition to being in an orchestra as a cello player. I’ve had two middle school students that I gave lessons to. It is joy teaching others to play! I’m thankful for all the opportunities that I have had up until this point. To me, my biggest accomplishment is having the support and love of the people in my community. It is a great feeling to play and see people there supporting and cheering you on. It is an honor to watch how your music inspires and encourages people. My plan is going to take me about 5 years to finish college, so a scholarship will be a great help to continue my journey, my passion, my dream, and my future.

I would love to have a scholarship because it will help me continue my dream and my passion. My dream is to open a music studio and teach others to play the cello. The plan to achieve my dream is to go to college and major in music performance and minor in business. After college, I would like to do music performances (music performance degree) and open a music studio (business degree) to teach others to play the cello. This is my dream. I have begun the journey of owning my studio. I am a member of the Colgan National Honor Society. I am taking Dual Enrollment classes as well as AP classes. I want to give myself the best opportunity to be accepted by colleges. I have been taking private lessons for seven years. I began this journey in 2021 by playing my cello at my church on special occasions. That eventually led to me playing for the Interdenominational Church Ushers Association of Virginia, Inc. It started with me playing one song at each of the events that I was asked to play at. Last year, I played at a Mother’s Day Tea and received my first love donation. Later in the year, I played at a scholarship program and received my second love donation. From there, opportunities have opened for me. When I visited Longwood University for the first time, I had the opportunity to sit in on a studio class and practice with their orchestra. On my second visit to Longwood University, I participated in a studio class by playing a song. I also had the opportunity to practice with the JMU Symphony orchestra and participated in their Spring String Thing for the last 3 years. I have played at several community events, such as the Links Incorporated Alumna Program, the Virginia Baptist Association, and the Fairfax Central Baptist Sunday School Union just to name a few. I’ve practiced with the VCU orchestra. I had the amazing opportunity of being the opening artist for Patrick Lundy and the Ministries of Music. I am a finalist for the 2024 Honors Performance Series where I will play at Carnegie Hall in February 2024. I am excited about this opportunity. I do other things well such as competing in local competitions. I play in different recitals throughout the year. During the summer, I participated in a cello ensemble program. I take advantage of any music opportunities that I can find. I have participated in different colleges' music preview day. This is to give me insight into what it will be like to be a music major in college. I play the cello as my primary instrument but I’m also taking piano, in an orchestra at my school as a double bass player in addition to being in an orchestra as a cello player. I’ve had two students that I gave lessons to. It is joy teaching others to play! I’m thankful for all the opportunities that I have had up until this point. To me, my biggest accomplishment is having the support and love of the people in my community. It is a great feeling to play and see people there supporting and cheering you on. It is an honor to watch how your music inspires and encourages people. My plan is going to take me about 5 years to finish college, so a scholarship will be a great help to continue my journey, my passion, my dream, and my future.

One email and two teachers changed my life forever. It was 5th grade year when the teacher let us try out string instruments for the first time. I chose the cello. My mom informed me about an email she had received from my orchestra teacher. She said, “Eugene has a lot of potential and I think he should stick with orchestra.” This was the email that changed my life forever. Orchestra in middle school was a big challenge for me. Compared to elementary school I felt so out of place. Everybody there was so much better than I was. The music teacher was very strict and demanding. In 7th grade I auditioned for a chamber ensemble group. I didn’t get in. I re-auditioned but still did not make it. She saw my potential and said that I was a fast learner and tried hard. She suggested I take private lessons. I have a private teacher whom I work with to this day. Although I didn’t make the chamber ensemble, she let me practice with them every week and gradually worked my way into the ensemble. Being in that ensemble pushed me to my true limit and challenged me. In 8th grade, Mrs. Kidd encouraged me to audition for All-County Orchestra. I practiced until I couldn’t anymore. During the audition, as I waited in the warmup room I didn’t know if I was ready. I stepped into the audition room after they called my name. I played to the best of my ability. I later walked out of the audition room not knowing how to feel about the audition. After a week, I found out that I made All-County Orchestra, which was an amazing feeling, but it more importantly taught me the true definition of hard work. Freshman year in high school was virtual. It was still a bit of an adjustment getting used to music online. The real challenge was the end of the year audition for Colgan’s Ensemble group. I auditioned for the top ensemble but didn’t make it. This hurt at first, but I realized I didn’t practice nearly as much as I could’ve. Sophomore year was slightly easier, but I felt like I struggled trying to improve. Throughout the year it got easier, and end of the year auditions came again. This was my chance at redemption. So, I practiced and once again I didn’t make the top ensemble. This was my wakeup call. Junior year everything changed; I practiced more and became section leader in my ensemble, and more opportunities started to open such as: participate in various colleges’ studio class and practice with their orchestras; participated in JMU Spring String Thing; playing at several community events; being the opening artist for a gospel artist; and a finalist for the Honors Performance Series 2024. When my end of year audition came, I practiced so much until I couldn’t play it wrong. I played my audition the best I could and after I walked out of there, I knew I could be proud of that audition because I worked hard for it. I made the top ensemble. Those teachers motivated, inspired, and helped me realize the importance of hard work and dedication. My love and passion for music has grown tremendously. I chose music performance because it is joy to watch how your music inspires and encourages people. I want to open a music studio to teach others to play the cello and give someone the same opportunity that was given to me and watch them soar. I’ve had 2 students, what joy teaching others to play!

One email and two teachers changed my life forever. It was 5th grade year when the teacher let us try out string instruments for the first time. I chose the cello. My mom informed me about an email she had received from my orchestra teacher. She said, “Eugene has a lot of potential and I think he should stick with orchestra.” This was the email that changed my life forever. Orchestra in middle school was a big challenge for me. Compared to elementary school I felt so out of place. Everybody there was so much better than I was. The music teacher was very strict and demanding. In 7th grade I auditioned for a chamber ensemble group. I didn’t get in. I re-auditioned but still did not make it. She saw my potential and said that I was a fast learner and tried hard. She suggested I take private lessons. I have a private teacher whom I work with to this day. Although I didn’t make the chamber ensemble, she let me practice with them every week and gradually worked my way into the ensemble. Being in that ensemble pushed me to my true limit and challenged me. In 8th grade, Mrs. Kidd encouraged me to audition for All-County Orchestra. I practiced until I couldn’t anymore. During the audition, as I waited in the warmup room I didn’t know if I was ready. I stepped into the audition room after they called my name. I played to the best of my ability. I later walked out of the audition room not knowing how to feel about the audition. After a week, I found out that I made All-County Orchestra, which was an amazing feeling, but it more importantly taught me the true definition of hard work. Freshman year in high school was virtual. It was still a bit of an adjustment getting used to music online. The real challenge was the end of the year audition for Colgan’s Ensemble group. I auditioned for the top ensemble but didn’t make it. This hurt at first, but I realized I didn’t practice nearly as much as I could’ve. Sophomore year was slightly easier, but I felt like I struggled trying to improve. Throughout the year it got easier, and end of the year auditions came again. This was my chance at redemption. So, I practiced and once again I didn’t make the top ensemble. This was my wakeup call. Junior year everything changed; I practiced more and became section leader in my ensemble, and more opportunities started to open such as: participate in various colleges’ studio class and practice with their orchestras; participated in JMU Spring String Thing; playing at several community events; being the opening artist for a gospel artist; and a finalist for the Honors Performance Series 2024. When my end of year audition came, I practiced so much until I couldn’t play it wrong. I played my audition the best I could and after I walked out of there, I knew I could be proud of that audition because I worked hard for it. I made the top ensemble. Those teachers motivated, inspired, and helped me realize the importance of hard work and dedication. My love and passion for music has grown tremendously. I chose music performance because it is joy to watch how your music inspires and encourages people. I want to open a music studio to teach others to play the cello and give someone the same opportunity that was given to me and watch them soar. I’ve had 2 students, what joy teaching others to play!

One email and two teachers changed my life forever. It all started in my 5th grade year when the teacher let us try out string instruments for the first time. I fell in love with the cello. As the school year ended, I considered joining the band. My mom informed me about an email she had received from my orchestra teacher. She said, “Eugene has a lot of potential and I think he should stick with orchestra.” This was the email that changed my life forever. Taking orchestra in middle school was a big challenge for me. Compared to elementary school I felt so out of place. Everybody there was so much better than I was. In 7th grade, I auditioned for a chamber ensemble group. I didn’t get in. I re-auditioned but still did not make it. The teacher saw my potential and said that I was a fast learner and tried hard. She suggested I take private lessons. I have a private teacher whom I work with to this day. Although I didn’t make the chamber ensemble, Mrs. Kidd let me practice with them every week and gradually worked my way into the ensemble. Being in that class pushed me to my true limit and challenged me. In 8th grade, Mrs. Kidd encouraged me to audition for All-County Orchestra. I’ve never even thought about auditioning for that, but I did it anyway. I practiced e until I couldn’t anymore. During the audition, as I waited in the warmup room I didn’t know if I was ready. I stepped into the audition room after they called my name. I played to the best of my ability. I later walked out of the audition room not knowing how to feel about the audition. After a week, I found out that I made the All-County Orchestra and got 6th chair out of 14. Making All-County was not only an amazing feeling, but taught me the true definition of hard work. My freshman year in high school wasn’t too bad considering it was virtual. The real challenge was the end-of-the-year audition for Colgan’s Orchestra group. I auditioned for the top orchestra but didn’t make it. It hurt, but I realized I didn’t practice nearly as much as I could’ve. My sophomore year and end-of-the-year auditions came again. This was my chance at redemption. Once again I didn’t make the top orchestra. This was my wake-up call. My junior year everything changed; I practiced more and became section leader in my orchestra, and more opportunities started to open such as: playing at Longwood University studio class and practicing with their orchestra; practicing with JMU Symphony orchestra and participating in their Spring String Thing; playing at several community events; practiced with the VCU orchestra; being the opening artist for a gospel artist; and auditioning for the 2024 Honors Performance Series. When my end-of-year audition came, I played my audition the best I could and after I walked out of there, I knew I could be proud of that audition because I worked hard for it. I made the top orchestra. If it weren’t for the teachers that motivated and inspired me, I would be on a completely different path. They helped me realize the importance of hard work and dedication. If there is anything now that I want or desire, I know I can go and get it if I work hard enough. Music is my passion. I currently play the cello, string bass, electric bass and the piano. I plan to open a studio and teach others to play the cello.

I would love to have a scholarship because it will help me continue my dream and my passion. My dream is to open a music studio and teach others to play the cello. The plan to achieve my dream is to go to college and major in music performance and minor in business. After college, I would like to do music performances and open a studio. This is my dream. I have begun the journey of owning my studio. I am a member of the Colgan National Honor Society. I am taking Dual Enrollment classes as well as AP classes. I want to give myself the best opportunity to be accepted by colleges. I have been taking private lessons for seven years. I began this journey in 2021 by playing my cello at my church on special occasions. That eventually led to me playing for the Interdenominational Church Ushers Association of Virginia, Inc. It started with me playing one song at each of the events that I was asked to play at. Last year, I played at a Mother’s Day Tea and received my first love donation. Later in the year, I played at a scholarship program and received my second love donation. From there, opportunities have opened for me. When I visited Longwood University for the first time, I had the opportunity to sit in on a studio class and practice with their orchestra. On my second visit to Longwood University, I participated in a studio class by playing a song. I also had the opportunity to practice with the JMU Symphony orchestra and participated in their Spring String Thing for the last 3 years. I have played at several community events, such as the Links Incorporated Alumna Program, the Virginia Baptist Association, and the Fairfax Central Baptist Sunday School Union just to name a few. I’ve practiced with the VCU orchestra. I had the amazing opportunity of being the opening artist for Patrick Lundy and the Ministries of Music. I am currently auditioning for the Honors Performance Series 2024. This will be for a chance to play at Carnegie Hall in February 2024. I am excited about this opportunity. I do other things as well such as competing in local competitions I play in different recitals throughout the year. During the summer, I participated in a cello ensemble program. I take advantage of any music opportunities that I can find. I have participated in different colleges' music preview day. This is to give me insight into what it will be like to be a music major in college. I play the cello as my primary instrument but I’m also taking piano, in an orchestra at my school as a double bass player in addition to being in an orchestra as a cello player. I am getting a mandolin as a graduation gift so that will be another instrument I can learn. I currently have one student that I give lessons to as well. I’m thankful for all the opportunities that I have had up until this point. To me, my biggest accomplishment is having the support and love of the people in my community. If I’m playing in the local community, they will come just to support me. It is a great feeling to play and see people there supporting and cheering you on. A scholarship will help me to continue my journey, my passion, and my dream. My plan is going to take me about 5 years to finish college, so a scholarship will be a great help in achieving my dream.