I am passionate about becoming a successful audio engineer so I can positively impact the lives of others through music. Throughout my high school career, I maintained a high GPA, took challenging classes, and was involved in orchestra, choir, and United Sound Club. United Sound Club is dedicated to helping students with disabilities learn to play an instrument through the instruction of peer mentors. My involvement in this club helped me understand how much music can positively impact someone and their relationships with those around them. With my experiences in performing arts and United Sound, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in music and explore how music can help others. Looking ahead, I plan to major in Audio Engineering Technology(AET) at Belmont University's Curb College of Music Business. The program's ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.) accreditation made it stand out to me initially, and the program's focus on hands-on learning and music business skills aligns with my goal to be a well-rounded audio engineer. Over the summer before my senior year, I composed "A Summer's Waltz" and recorded it with a string orchestra for my college portfolio. My previous audio engineering experience involved recording with one condenser microphone, a recording interface, and MIDI devices to create songs on Logic Pro X, a digital audio workstation software (DAW). However, for an orchestral recording, I needed to use a multiple-microphone setup and take into account the correct room size and shape to ensure a high-quality recording. The recording process for this project was one of the coolest things that I've ever done. I collaborated with an orchestra and its director in real time to adjust certain elements of the piece, including dynamics, phrasing, and tempo changes. I worked with the A.V. teacher to get the correct X-Y recording technique setup of the Shure SM81 microphones: industry-standard cardioid mics that are perfect for an orchestral recording. It was vital to get the correct angle and placement of the microphones to attain the round and rich sound I was looking for. I also adjusted the literal placement of certain musicians in the room in relation to the microphones. For this, I focused on ensuring that the microphones picked up the lower frequencies from the bassist with the low hum EQ filter applied. This EQ filter got rid of lower background noise, such as the hum of an air conditioner, but when the bassist was further away from the mic, they naturally cut out some of the lower sound frequencies. This kind of problem-solving with a stereo microphone setup furthered my passion for audio engineering. When I finished the recording process, I was so thrilled with the final result. In this project, I practiced my collaboration skills with musicians, orchestra directors, and the A.V. teacher. I also practiced my audio engineering skills with a new type of audio engineering. This project gave me a sneak peek into the environment I may work in as an Audio Engineer. Reflecting on my musical experiences throughout high school, in orchestra, choir, united sound, and my portfolio project, I've experienced the power music has to create positivity in the world. It helps others feel less alone and to connect to those around them despite any barriers. A career in Audio Engineering is so important to me because of my passion for positively impacting the lives of others through music. I'm excited to pursue a career where I will use music, science, and problem-solving to foster positive change in the world.

Throughout my high school career, I've engaged in both the orchestra and choir performing arts programs at my school. I've built cello and voice skills, gained experience in rehearsal structure, orchestral arrangements, and music theory. But I also gained something even better. An understanding of the power of music to cultivate positivity. This understanding has inspired me to pursue a career in audio engineering, where I can help others by creating music they can connect to. In orchestra, I’ve connected to the composers who write the songs we play through how they write them because I hear how they hoped their listeners would connect to the song. In songs like "Adoration" by Florence Price, I connect to the song, thinking of those in my life whom I adore. When I play this song, I hear the journey of adoring someone in her composition. In choir, during our annual Holiday Spectacular, I felt the audiences I performed to connect to the song “Go Light Your World." The song urges us all to be the light for others in their darkest times. Looking out into the audience, I never saw anything but the black silhouettes of people in seats against the bright stage lights, but I could feel the audience's reaction. I felt the emotions of the audience, those who identified with the darkness and those who identified with the light. When I sing meaningful songs like “Go Light Your World,” I know that people in the audience identify with the lyrics, making them feel like they aren’t alone, especially when times are tough. Performing in a choir has shown me the impact of music on people, helping them to feel like they aren't alone in times of struggle. During my time in high school, I participated in United Sound Club, a club dedicated to teaching students with disabilities to play instruments through the instruction of peer mentors. The first time my mentee and I met, she was very shy and hesitant. But by the end of the second year, her true personality emerged. She was confident and playful, showing me how much she loved to play the viola through her excitement at every meeting. I truly believe that our shared love of making music caused this change. Through United Sound, I learned the power of music to create connections between people, even when there are barriers, and the power of these connections to foster positivity in people's lives. Through Orchestra, Choir, and United Sound, I've experienced the different ways that music can make an impact. It makes the performer and the audience connect to the music and even helps people connect with each other. Knowing this ignited my passion for curating songs people can connect to. In college, I plan to major in Audio Engineering Technology at Belmont University's Curb College of Music Business. The program's ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.) accreditation, focus on hands-on learning, and music business skills aligns with my goal to become a well-rounded audio engineer. While at Belmont, I intend to build global connections through the Belmont Global Honors Program and secure internships in my junior and senior years with Nashville-based companies on Music Row. These experiences will lead to new connections with music industry professionals while I am still in college and will lead to new opportunities once I've graduated. My role in the music industry as an audio engineer will enable me to make music with others and craft meaningful songs that impact those who hear them. Through this career, I will use music to foster positive change in the world.