Musical History
I grew up in a very musical family. My father plays piano and guitar and briefly played drums in high school, and my mother plays piano and sings. Even my brother plays trumpet and wishes to begin a second instrument. In addition to my immediate family, the majority of my extended family play musical instruments as well, and all encourage musical activity. It seems appropriate then, that when fourth grade rolled around, I was eager to join in my school’s band program. I began playing the flute, and from the very beginning it became one of the major loves of my life.
By seventh grade, I had participated in several district band festivals and secured a seat in a local youth orchestra. It was at this time that I began to consider making music my primary commitment and considered following it as my main interest and life goal. Over the next several years, I moved into the next level of local youth orchestra and began subbing for the Spring Garden Band, a local professional band. I tried out for and made District and Regional festivals, and was having the time of my life. Throughout the course of all of my musical escapades, I was afforded the opportunity to play with the York Symphony Orchestra in a Fourth of July concert where I decided that I wanted to be a music educator and instill my love of music into the next generation. This was the moment that turned me into the dedicated musician that I am today. After all, what is more moving and beautiful than music?
Through my love of music, I jumped on every new musical activity offered to me. I took up oboe and piano, played piccolo for my high school’s Concert Band, played in my school’s Pit Orchestra, and our Marching Band drum line. I also played bass guitar for our Jazz Ensemble and our prestigious Brass Ensemble, where we performed a touching Christmas Concert in front of the National Christmas Tree. It seemed that everywhere I looked there was another musical activity, and I couldn’t get enough of it. I also had an internship with a middle school band program during my senior year of high school, which just further proved to me how much I want to teach music.
Now at Penn State, I am continuing to love and yearn for musical opportunities. I have been having a fantastic time with the Penn State Symphonic Band and Flute Ensemble, my lessons and my music classes. I love learning all that I can about music, and I am so excited to be majoring in Music Education. I honestly cannot think of anything more exciting to do with my life, and I am so excited for all that I have ahead of me.
