Music

Music has long been a steady presence in my life. It is an activity that allows me to express emotions, relay messages, and communicate with others while maintaining a sense of personal experience. Whether I am alone, rehearsing, or performing along with others, music allows me to take things slowly, observe, and be in the present.

Rehearsals and performances in the orchestra have taught me the value of discipline, teamwork, and attention to detail. It can be a painstaking process to work on a piece, but to observe how tiny increments make a world of difference is a satisfaction all its own. Of course, the stimulation of perfecting a section and monitoring nuances of balance and tone is reward enough.

Music is also another way that I give back to my community. The performances that I have been involved in have been held in senior centers, and it has been an opportunity for me to share music and spread joy. This has opened my eyes to realize that music has the ability to reach people from different ages, and it also has the ability to brighten someone’s day by simply performing for a few minutes.

Most significantly, music has influenced the way I listen—to others and myself. Music has taught me patience, empathy, and perseverance and remains a constant source for growth and reflection for me. Moving forward through the next stages of my musical education and beyond, I look forward to ongoing learning and exploration through musical endeavors that serve as expressions and means for connecting and serving others and myself.