"Why do you play music?" Four years ago I couldn't answer that question. As a freshman in high school I was mostly looking to fit in and make friends, certainly not to find my calling in life. I joined my school's jazz band out of curiosity, completely unaware that it was one of the best high school jazz programs in the region. At first it was hard and discouraging. I knew next to nothing about music, I was new on my instrument, and I had never been interested in jazz. Despite the struggle, I worked hard, pushed through, and before long I had found new friends and a passion to continue playing. The next year, I had a life changing experience. Every three years, my jazz program participates in a week-long stay with the legendary Victor Wooten at his camp Wooten Woods in Only, Tennessee. The first night we got there, we watched him and a few other musicians play after dinner. During a song, I looked up to the bandstand and saw a huge smile spread across his face. The other musicians seemed totally, unequivocally, engrossed in the music. Their heads bobbed up and down and their legs shook the floor beneath them. Before I knew it, I was mimicking them, and I found myself smiling as well. Later that week, there was an open jam session. When I went up to play, this time I didn't even think. I just stomped my foot and bobbed my head. At that moment, I was having the most fun playing jazz that I had ever had in two years. Suddenly, I knew why the performers seemed so happy on stage. Jazz is about staying in the present moment, and challenging everything you expect to occur. No song is ever played the same twice, and you have to be fearless knowing anything could happen. Jazz is beautiful because it is expressive and filled with joy. I know now, that is why I play music. I play music because it can change people's lives for the better in an instant. Before that moment at Wooten Woods Music and Nature Camp, I had no direction. I didn't have a clue what my purpose was, but after seeing Victor play on stage, I knew without question. I have now been with the Community High Jazz program for all four years in high school, and this year I also joined the Huron High Rhythm Rat Orchestra. I spread music by playing gigs for all kinds of purposes, including weddings, shows, school events, and more. This year I was selected to play in the MSBOA All-State Jazz Band, and I won the "Outstanding Soloist" award both times I competed in the WMU John Stites Jazz Festival. I also recently had the opportunity to play at Carnegie Hall and at The Jazz Gallery in New York. My mission in life is to bring jazz music into other people's lives because I truly believe that it has the power to change each and every one of us for the better. Every time I play music, I try to bring the beauty of jazz to others through joy and transformation. In college, I aspire to continue bringing music into the community around me. This scholarship would help me afford college so I can pursue my dream of keeping music alive forever.