My high school music room is my safe space. I feel creatively free and accepted. I can sing, play trombone, laugh, and joke with friends. I have not always felt that way. Friendship and connection is an area in which I’ve struggled. Whether that is due to my neurodiversity, the small, rural community I've spent my entire life in, or something else entirely, I do not know. What I do know is music has helped guide me through some difficult years. No matter how low I feel, if I start singing or creating music in any way all my worries go away and my mind gets quiet. Making music with others helps me form strong bonds and find common ground in similar interests. I believe music is one of my strongest skills. I have participated in chorus and band since I was 9 years old. I’ve been volunteering to sing the national anthem at events since 3rd grade. In the last three years I’ve successfully made the District 3 Honors Chorus as well as All State Chorus. I am currently Alto section leader in my school’s choir and the only trombone player in the band. I have worked privately with Alice Limoges since 9th grade in voice and general music production. Tom Luther has been my jazz instructor for a small ensemble at the Midcoast Music Academy, in which I am a vocalist and occasional trombonist. I’m also in the jazz band at school. I’ve been receiving vocal coaching from Mark Power also at the Midcoast Music Academy. This fall I had the privilege to play Rizzo in my school’s production of Grease after being part of the ensemble for three years. I also had multiple solos in the Spring Musical School House Rock! I performed at the Jazz in June festival in Camden, ME, and will be opening for my teacher, Alice Limoges, at one of her concerts later this month. With all this experience as a performer, it may be unexpected for me to be interested in pursuing a career in the education side of music. Collaborating with artists and youth to support them in sounding their best is really appealing to me. Creating a supportive environment where people feel safe enough to express themselves and connect with others is important. My music teachers supported me through some very difficult times, always accepted, yet pushed me, and saw my passion and talent when I was not in a place to see it in myself. I want to be able to do that for others. I will be attending the School of Performing Arts at University of Maine as a music education major with a vocal concentration. My music achievements are my proudest, and I want to create a space for other people to achieve their creative goals and connect with each other. I am excited to pursue a career as a music teacher that will allow me to do just that.

My high school music room is my safe space. I feel creatively free and accepted. I can sing, play trombone, laugh, and joke with friends. I have not always felt that way. Friendship and connection is an area in which I’ve struggled. Whether that is due to my neurodiversity, the small, rural community i’ve spent my entire life in, or something else entirely, I do not know. What I do know is music has helped guide me through some difficult years. No matter how low I feel, if I start singing or creating music in any way all my worries go away and my mind gets quiet. Making music with others helps me form strong bonds and find common ground in similar interests. I believe music is one of my strongest skills. I have participated in chorus and band since I was 9 years old. I’ve been volunteering to sing the national anthem at events since 3rd grade. In the last three years I’ve successfully made the District 3 Honors Chorus as well as All State Chorus. I am Alto section leader in my choir and the only Trombone player in my band. I have worked privately with Alice Limoges since 9th grade in voice and general music production. Tom Luther has been my jazz instructor for a small ensemble at the Midcoast Music Academy, in which I am a vocalist and occasional trombonist. I’m also in the jazz band at school. Since July I’ve been receiving vocal coaching from Mark Power also at the Midcoast Music Academy. This fall I have the privilege to play Rizzo in my school’s production of Grease after being part of the ensemble for three years. I am auditioning for the Spring Musical in a couple weeks. With all this experience as a performer, it may be unexpected for me to be interested in pursuing a career in the education side of music. Collaborating with artists and youth to support them in sounding their best is really appealing to me. Creating a supportive environment where people feel safe enough to express themselves and connect with others is important. I cannot see myself ever getting bored with it. My dream would be to direct a choir and coach vocalists. I’d like to support artists in learning and creating music, and making my own music as well. I have been accepted into the Osher School of Music at the University of Southern Maine and the School of Performing Arts at University of Maine as a music education major with a vocal concentration. My music achievements are my proudest, and I want to create a space for other people to achieve their creative goals and connect with each other. I am excited to pursue a career as a music teacher.