Living Life One Beat at Time by Cristian

Living Life One Beat at Time by Cristian - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

When I started high school, I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I was apprehensive because I could decide to do anything with my life but I was not guaranteed that what I chose would interest me for the rest of my life. As I look back at the start of my high school career it seems as though life was guiding me towards music. I was placed into the marching band program without prior knowledge of playing any instrument. Even though I was at a disadvantage and I was behind everyone else musically, I stayed in the program. Little did I know that this decision would change my life and would help me decide on becoming a music educator.
At the time, I was lost in a world where I had no clue of how to survive, and everyone in it was so ahead of me. Even though they were ahead, I felt like I could catch up and I was willing to take on the challenge and I refused to be beaten by this obstacle.I was put in the top band for reasons still unknown, but I used that to my advantage. I listened to the students and watched how they played, so that was when I began mimicking them. At first, of course, I was ridiculed by students who thought I was just wasting my time and theirs, including the very section I was in. There were moments when I felt helpless and I wouldn’t be able to prove to myself that I could do it. For brief moments I felt beaten, but I would always remind myself that I could never give up. I could not let this beat me; I had to become better for my own sake. I had to prove to myself I was capable of overcoming anything. I practiced everyday, each day becoming more accustomed to the techniques required. I stayed after school to practice on the drums so I could get used to their feel. I would stay up drumming away on the practice pad that was given to me. I would even skip lunches, because I would lose track of time. The hard work paid off because the next year I became part of the drumline, but only as a cymbal player. I began to realize that I loved playing music. My whole sophomore year, I grinded hours practicing on the snare drum, and during that time a student teacher, Mr. Palmer, came around and actually helped me with my snare skills. By the end of that year, I felt ready for the snare line.
When I auditioned, I saw Mr. Palmer and learned he was going to become my new teacher. I saw this as an opportunity to become even greater. I actually made the snare line that year and throughout the year I learned so much, using every bit of knowledge to try and become the greatest snare player that I could be. Mr. Palmer helped me realize a very important lesson he made me realize that to actually be the greatest I would always have to strive for greatness no matter how hard everything was working against me. This whole experience directly influenced in becoming a music educator.
Mr. Palmer’s actions made me realize how great teachers are and I wanted to be a part of what he was. Mr. Palmer did not care that I had no experience. He told me that if I really wanted to become great at music he would help me with whatever I would need because he saw great potential in me. He researched which warm ups could help most with what we were struggling with. He always made sure that everyone had an opportunity to prove themselves. I was completely astonished by how much dedication he showed towards someone with no experience or background in music. It made me start thinking about having a career in music for my future.
I was lucky enough to get a taste of it my junior year in high school. Percussion students would approach me and ask for my help. It was a great feeling when they figured out their music because I knew that I was a part of them reaching their goals. Of course there were times when it was difficult to help everyone, because everyone learns at a different pace. However, I kept my patience because I too was in their situation and knew how frustrating it could be to not understand certain music pieces. I persevered with helping them and made sure they didn’t quit with their struggle. I could not have asked for a better feeling than the one I had when I helped my classmates learn and love their music.
Before accidentally being placed in the music program I had never given a single thought towards music but now it is all I want to be a part of. I want others to appreciate my love for music and I hope to make that dream come true.