To me, the sound of the holidays is rock, jazz, oldies, classical piano, modern synthesizers, and any kind of music that puts you in a good mood. Guitar, drums, ukulele, bass, piano, cello, and the harmonious voices of my family filled my childhood. Friendly debates over music theory, technique, and style took the place of more heated silly arguments. Growing up in my family meant I couldn’t help but associate music with love. Even the cringe-inducing squeaks of a learning musician bring me happiness that I associate with family reunions and lessons from grandpa. As I drive to my grandparents’ house this holiday season, the music I listen to is theirs--from the classic and 90's rock my dad and grandpa love to the oldies my great grandma hums to the cheery ukulele tunes my grandma plays for her kids. Their music brings me comfort as I drive; I feel safe, like I do when I’m with them. My family spends many holidays in the small town of Franklin, Pennsylvania, where my grandparents grew up and now retired. My grandpa’s company, Professional Audio Services, became his life after he retired from the Army Band. My uncle and aunt followed in his footsteps, retiring from their musical military careers to work for his company. My dad is on a similar path, though he is still currently working for the military band. Jobs in music aren’t known for their stability, but, though we aren’t millionaire rock-stars, my family has found a way to translate their passion for music into a livable lifestyle. Though I had the occasional guitar and piano lessons throughout my childhood, my music journey truly began when I begged to play cello in the fifth grade; my dad thought violin was more practical, but thankfully I stood my ground that cello was simply cooler. I played throughout middle school in the full orchestra and in smaller chamber groups. I practiced every day and improved at a rapid rate that I don’t know if I could so easily replicate today. Making friends I would maintain for my entire school career and finding confidence within myself through the instrument is an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. It got me through middle school and continues to get me through high school. The passion orchestra gives me motivates me to go to school and do well in all I can. At this point, the least I can do is share this love of music with others. I went back to the middle school that started my passion for music, and my old director let me be his intern. Everyday, after attending my own classes, I go to the middle school rehearsals. I am able to guide them in what I know, even if it simply comes down to rhythms and notes they struggle with. Seeing them discover the same motivation I found and forging friendships parallel to mine--just knowing that music can help them like it helped me--is a gift. That comfort I found from music isn’t exclusive to my family. I see it everyday in my students. To have that community and outlet of expression changes them for the better to be more passionate people with drives and goals. I hope that one day, when they’re driving through our town, they’re able to play orchestral music or harmonized choral pieces or anything that allows them to fondly remember their time learning music. I hope that music makes them feel safe and important and like they are truly capable of great things, and I hope it gives them the comfort it gives me.