I have grown up with the privilege of attending a school district with not only a music program, but a well funded and supported one. From the first time I heard simple rounds as a fifth grader to playing grand symphonies as a senior, I have been in love with so many aspects of music. All that aside though, the experiences I have had have allowed me to become a far more developed person in many ways. Eight years of practice, rehearsals, and performances has taught me many lessons. For instance, I have learned to seek perfection in myself. As both a soloist and orchestral musician, every detail counts. If there are weaknesses, I do not ignore them, instead I target them in order to become the best I can be. I have learned self discipline, motivation and much patience. Throughout these years I have been able to make goals and achieve them, such as go from 24th to 2nd chair from freshman to senior year in all-region. All things that are applicable in other aspects of my life. A major factor to my success in music has been the support I have received from my teachers. From elementary to my high school, I have been able to enjoy the journey music has been these eight years because of them. Every scale, every articulation, every rhythm I have had drilled into me has provided the fundamentals I have needed to accomplish what I have. Many discussions and perspectives on compositions have helped me to develop my ambition for discovering music. I truly have fallen in love with music. My teachers have always encouraged me to get better. Whether it was getting me to audition for all-region, inviting me to perform at church services, or introducing me to the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra, I have been able to find opportunities and take them. I wouldn’t be the same person nor have the same amazing memories otherwise. It’s because of my teachers that I have been pushed to learn fast, and to never stop. It’s because of them that my understanding and passion for music is at the level it is at. I would not be the same person without the music programs and people in them. Music has helped me through rough times, given me some of my favorite memories ever, and helped me grow into the person I am today. Currently I am taking the steps to go onto college and pursue a degree in music education so I can help others see the beauty in music as I have. As my teachers have helped me, I want to help others too. Truly the habits and encouragement I have been given have helped build me into a better human being and a musician ready to take on college. As I press on, I’m so excited to give as I have been given.

Entering into high school as a freshman was very intimidating to the insecure 14-year-old Lyvia. I was intrigued at the idea of being in classes with actual adults, but afraid to make a mistake in front of the older students. This was especially true in orchestra, where I would be starting my fifth year as a cellist. In rehearsals I remember being terrified to mess up and always afraid to be called on. When I did have to play in front of the class, though I played the right notes and rhythms, I barely made a sound. I did not know how to read any clef but bass and anything more than fourth position was completely new to me. Looking at me now, I have gone from that quiet freshman to a confident senior with many accomplishments. Leading my section at school, I have made all-region all four years, auditioned for all-state, received honors for solo and ensemble contests, auditioned and made second chair for the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra, performed at multiple churches and events, and began the process to audition to be a music education major in college. Mrs. Shaffer has been my teacher through the entire journey. She has taught me perfection even to the last detail. Every scale, every articulation, every rhythm she has drilled into me has provided the fundamentals I have needed to accomplish what I have. It’s not just the notes and rhythms though. Mrs. Shaffer has taught me how to make music. I love hearing her discussions and perspectives on composers and their compositions. Teaching me why pieces are written the way they are has helped me to fall in love with music so much more all these years. Mrs. Shaffer has always encouraged me to get better. Whether it was getting me to audition for region as a freshman, inviting me to perform at her church services, or introducing me to the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra, she has helped me to see opportunities and take them. Mrs. Shaffer has been an excellent person in the lives of all her students as well. Though she can come off a bit strict sometimes, she never fails to include and invite everyone to join in events. She truly cares about helping each student to become the best they can be musically and otherwise. It’s because of Mrs. Shaffer that I have been pushed to learn fast, and to never stop. It’s because of her that my understanding and passion for music is at the level it is at. She has watched me grow as a person and helped me through my journey of getting into college. I know I can’t repay her for the help she has given me these past four years, but I am so grateful. Truly, without music being such a big part of my life, I don’t know where I would be at. I want to go onto college and pursue a degree in music education so I can help others see the beauty in music as I have. As Mrs. Shaffer has helped me, I want to help others too. Truly the habits and encouragement she has given has helped build me into a musician ready to take on college and bless other people through music too.

From hearing simple rounds as a fifth grader to playing grand symphonies as a senior, I have been in love with music. As a result, I am dedicated to continuing my passion for music by pursuing a degree in music education. As a musician I want to develop as a soloist regarding confidence in my skill and comprehension level. I am recently learning my first concerto and I want it to be the first of very many. In orchestra I want to experience new authentic pieces of music, learning truly how to work with others to create beauty. I feel as if I have only gotten a taste of the repertoire out there and am excited to discover more compositions. As a human being, I want to learn as much about music as I can. Every day I feel intrigued by new perspectives and knowledge as I dive deeper into the music world. I absolutely cannot wait to learn new principles and knowledge from truly the best and develop my musicality in the process. Being a music education major, a goal I have is to graduate with the certifications to teach others. I love music so much and want to dedicate my life to helping others love it too. Achieving my goals will not be an easy task. Preparing to audition for colleges has been one of the hardest things I have ever experienced, and I know that is only part one to the dedication needed to be a music major. I am prepared to give it my all, practicing and learning to my best ability, taking in all the musical information I can get at great schools from excellent professors. Never in my life have I wanted something more, and my motivation to take these opportunities is unlimited.