Activity 33

One important even from my childhood was when I decided to start studying music. I wanted to be like my older brother, who played the guitar. So, I first started with guitar lessons when I was seven years old. I found that I really enjoyed reading and performing music. My love for music inspired me to learn how to play the flute in fourth grade. Since then, music has played a big role in my life. When I was in junior and senior high school, music was what I concentrated on. I participated in many honors bands and band festivals. When I was a senior, my high school dream came true--I qualified for the Pennsylvania State Wind Ensemble, where I ranked 5th in the state.

Studying and performing music itself has brought me great joy and a sense of accomplishment, but it also has other advantages. For one, I have made many good friends in band, including my boyfriend. Even my band director became a good friend of mine. I have gotten to work with and meet many different directors and students from across the state, which broadened my musical knowledge and my social spectrum. I have gotten to travel different places and see what they are like. In addition, I have learned that music education is every bit as academic as every other academic area, and that it should not be cut from schools. Last year, I joined IUP's Concert Band. I really liked working with college level musicians and conductors. Unfortunately, I have not been able to fit any ensembles in my schedule lately. I do believe, however, that my musical talent will help me in my professional career as an elementary teacher, since elementary teachers are encouraged to be creative and artistic. My musical studies started at that one vital moment when I asked my mom to sign me up for guitar lessons when I was seven years old.