My name is Juliette Peterson and I’m a Female Drummer from Florida with about 5 years of experience Surprisingly enough, my musical career started on flute. But it wasn’t long before a new set of doors opened for me. It was in 8th grade when I was walking down the halls and heard drums coming from the band room. It wasn’t the first time I heard some drums in my life but it was the first time I felt it. It was something about the beat that really pulled me towards it. So, I went home that day and did research on the best sticks and best practice pad. After acquiring my practice gear I immediately started getting at it trying to figure out how to play. But then it hit me...I didn’t know ANYTHING at all. I didn’t know how to hold the sticks, what makes it bounce like it does, nothing. But I was patient with myself because although it was something I knew I couldn’t do at the time, it was also something I knew I couldn’t give up on either. So I didn’t, I practiced everyday, I went through rudiments, exercises, snare licks, drum solos. Anything I could find that showed me a somewhat basic rhythm and how to do it, I would do it. I was self taught for about 4 years and everything was going good and then BOOM, I had hit a plateau. I wasn’t getting better...but I wasn’t getting worse. I didn’t know what was wrong with me, I practiced everyday and still my growth was stagnant, but that was until I had a performance at a local festival where I live called the Sugar Pointe Music Festival. It was one of the best performances of my life and it wasn’t because of the crazy drum solos I did or the amount of people recording, it was my movement. The emotional and physical movement I caused at the scene for other people around me was very empowering, and THAT is when I knew that sitting on that throne behind the kit is part of what I want for the rest of my life cause when I seen those people move and smile to my beats and then flood me while coming off the stage to tell me that they were moved by my playing allowed me to prop that door open and escape that plateau. I’ve refined my skills and I now perform a lot more shows with a lot more confidence. I’ve also recently been hired by a Motown band called NATROM. I strive to be better than yesterday because there’s always room for improvement. Although this is only a little bit of where I came from I hope to share with the world one day why I am who I am. My inspiration isn’t a person... the movement I caused that day on stage is my inspiration, it’s the feelings and emotions I and others feel when I play. I now teach drum lessons, leading others to take that step so that one day they can find their movement as well. My mark will be unforgettable and I wont stop until the last breath I take because music is something that NOBODY can take from you. No matter what!

My name is Juliette Peterson and I’m a Female Drummer from Florida with about 5 years of experience Surprisingly enough, my musical career started on flute...I know right. But it wasn’t long before a new set of doors opened for me. It was in 8th grade when I was walking down the halls and heard drums coming from the band room. It wasn’t the first time I heard some drums in my life but it was the first time I felt it. It was something about the beat that really pulled me towards it. So, I went home that day and did research on the best sticks and best practice pad. After acquiring my practice gear I immediately started getting at it trying to figure out how to play. But then it hit me...I didn’t know ANYTHING at all. I didn’t know how to hold the sticks, what makes it bounce like it does, nothing. But I was patient with myself because although it was something I knew I couldn’t do at the time, it was also something I knew I couldn’t give up on either. So I didn’t, I practiced everyday, I went through rudiments, exercises, snare licks, drum solos. Anything I could find that showed me a somewhat basic rhythm and how to do it, I would do it. I was self taught for about 4 years and everything was going good and then BOOM, I had hit a plateau. I wasn’t getting better...but I wasn’t getting worse. I didn’t know what was wrong with me, I practiced everyday and still my growth was stagnant, but that was until I had a performance at a local festival where I live called the Sugar Pointe Music Festival. It was one of the best performances of my life and it wasn’t because of the crazy drum solos I did or the amount of people recording, it was my movement. The emotional and physical movement I caused at the scene for other people around me was very empowering, and THAT is when I knew that sitting on that throne behind the kit is part of what I want for the rest of my life cause when I seen those people move and smile to my beats and then flood me while coming off the stage to tell me that they were moved by my playing allowed me to prop that door open and escape that plateau. I’ve refined my skills and I now perform a lot more shows with a lot more confidence. I’ve also recently been hired by a Motown band called NATROM. I strive to be better than yesterday because there’s always room for improvement. Although this is only a little bit of where I came from I hope to share with the world one day why I am who I am. My inspiration isn’t a person... the movement I caused that day on stage is my inspiration, it’s the feelings and emotions I and others feel when I play. I now teach drum lessons, leading others to take that step so that one day they can find their movement as well. My mark will be unforgettable and I wont stop until the last breath I take because music is something that NOBODY can take from you. No matter what! music has changed my life from the very beginning but during my years of high school is when I realized that music is in me, performing is my purpose and through music I want to positively impact and change the lives of others.

My name is Juliette Peterson, and I am a high school senior with a deep passion for music. Ever since I was a child, music has been a source of joy and comfort for me. It is a language that speaks to my soul and allows me to express myself in ways that words sometimes cannot. I am drawn to music because of its power to connect people, evoke emotions, and bring about change. This passion is what drives me to pursue a major in music at Jacksonville University or the University of North Florida. Music has always been a significant part of my life. Whether it was singing in the school choir or playing the piano at home, music has been a constant companion. It has taught me discipline, creativity, and the importance of perseverance. Music is not just about notes and rhythms; it is about telling stories and sharing experiences. This is why I am passionate about it. Music has the ability to transcend barriers and bring people together, and I want to be a part of that. I believe that music can have a profound impact on youth, just as it has had on me. As a Black woman, I understand the importance of representation and the need for diverse voices in the music industry. My goal is to use my career in music to inspire and empower young people, especially those from underrepresented communities. I want to show them that they too can pursue their dreams and make a difference through music. One way I plan to give back to the youth is by creating programs that provide access to music education and resources. Many young people do not have the opportunity to explore their musical talents due to a lack of resources or support. I want to change that by offering workshops, mentorship, and scholarships to aspiring musicians. By doing so, I hope to nurture the next generation of artists and give them the tools they need to succeed. Moreover, I want to use my platform to advocate for music education in schools. Music is often one of the first programs to be cut when budgets are tight, but it is an essential part of a well-rounded education. I want to work with schools and communities to ensure that music remains a vital part of the curriculum, providing students with the opportunity to discover their passions and develop important life skills. In conclusion, my passion for music is rooted in its ability to connect, inspire, and transform. I am committed to using my career to give back to the youth by providing them with opportunities to explore and develop their musical talents. Through education and advocacy, I hope to make a lasting impact and contribute to a more inclusive and vibrant music community. Thank you for considering my application for the Sunni E. Fagan Memorial Music Scholarship.