My name is Matthew Lunsford and I am a senior at Bridgeport High School in Bridgeport, West Virginia. Since I was around five years old, I would go to WVU Football games and I remember watching the Pride of West Virginia Marching Band during half time and thinking that I would love to be a part of it one day. I started playing trumpet in fifth grade and I had grown passionate about music. I joined my middle schools' jazz band, and couldn't wait for the years to come. A few years passed and I was in high school. To say I was thrilled for my first football game and half-time show is an understatement. I finally got to do something I have always wanted to do. I joined my high school's jazz ensemble my Sophomore year, where I now currently serve as lead trumpet, section leader, and Student Vice President. I have been selected to participate in West Virginia's All State Band and Honor Band. Music has been my passion since I can remember. My directors have significantly impacted my life and I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them. My first band director, Chris Broadwater, passed away recently and it has been a difficult to accept. I am thankful for him in so many ways and will never forget him, because was the very first person to teach me about music. His smile and attitude made the room shine. He always made you laugh and cheer any one up. I learned from some of the best band directors who treated their students like their own children. I strongly believe that teachers and their passion for music is critical for your success. That is why I am going to West Virginia University and majoring in Music Education. It was because of my directors, that believed in every single person, and shared their passion for music, that I am pursuing this career. I want to spread as much joy and love I have with music with other students, in hopes to inspire them, just as my directors had inspired me. Band has not only allowed me to create life-long friends, but also give me a purpose and enjoyment in life. Music has been the best thing for me and once I knew this could be my career, makes it the best job in the world. I can not wait to start this chapter of my life.

My name is Matthew Lunsford, I am a senior at Bridgeport High School, WV. Ever since I was around five years old, I would go to WVU Football games. I remember watching the band during half time and thinking that I would love to be a part of it one day. I started playing trumpet in fifth grade and I had grown passionate about music. I joined my middle schools jazz band and couldn't wait for high school. After a couple years, I was in high school. I was super excited for my first football game and half time show. I currently serve as the bands student Vice President and as well as the section leader for trumpet. I joined the high school's jazz ensemble where I serve as lead trumpet player. I have been selected to participate in West Virginia's All State Band and Honor Band. Music has been my passion since I can remember. My directors have really impacted my life and I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them. My first band director, Chris Broadwater, passed away last month and it hasn't been easy. I am thankful for him and will never forget him. He was the very first person to teach me about music. I really believe that the teacher or your environment dictates your success. I grew up with some of the best directors and you could tell you were on of their own children. This is why I am going to West Virginia University and majoring in Music Education. I would love to have my own band one day. It was because of my directors, that believed in every single person, and that showed their passion for music, that I am pursuing this career. I want to show as much joy and love I have with music with others, in hopes to inspire them, just as they had inspired me. I have built so many relationships not only with fellow band kids, but with directors and professors throughout school. I had the opportunity to go to a Summer Brass Academy at WVU, and I learned so much in just a week. I met kids there that I will never forget and I feel like I have a place where I belong. Band has allowed me to discover other people, whether at competitions or other programs. Music itself, has saved me and the fact that I can do it for a living makes it the best job in the world, regardless of the pay, I would not want to do anything else.