Marching Band by Jacob

Marching Band by Jacob - April 2020 Scholarship Essay

Music education has taught me so many lessons over the 6 past years. Lugoff-Elgin Marching Pride Band is where I met one of my favorite mentor's, Mr. Glenn Price. I began playing trumpet in 6th grade, at the urging of my Mother. In 8th grade I wanted to try Marching Band. It was something different to do and my music teacher thought I would do well. The audition felt easy to me, like it was something that I had be doing for a long time. This is where I met Mr. Price. He was the Director of the Marching Band and high school music teacher. Mr. Price has been instructing for over forty years. His favorite phrase, as I came to know, was to "listen with your eyes not your ears." I never really knew what that meant until recently.
As a new kid in band during 8th grade, I just kind of went with the flow. Just followed the person in front of me and made sure I hit all of my marks. As I got older, I also grew as a musician and student leader. Year after year, I looked to the Senior for leadership and guidance. They were my mentors but became my friends. I respected them and in turn they treated me with respect. This year, I am the Senior leader and the "new" kids look up to me. At first, it kind of took me by surprise. I could not believe they were following me around and doing what I said. I really did not want the responsibility of teaching the new band members on how to "march". After thinking things over and watching Mr. Price interact with other teachers and students, I decided I could do this. I could be a mentor to others.
The beginning of summer camp was very interesting to say in the least. There were a lot of new and very young musicians. Most had just begun playing an instrument. Showing someone how to "march" is not as easy as it sounds. Some of the marching is truly a follow the leader game. When trying to play your instrument, keep count in your head, and know where you are supposed to go takes a lot of repetitive practice. Some days were better than others. Most days it was hot and humid. Needless to say tempers could and did flare. It has taken a great deal of patience and understanding that not everyone learns the same way to get through the camp. I have quoted Mr. Price on numerous days. The first time I did, I had to stop what I was doing. I finally understood what he meant. These kids were following me and doing as I said. They were listening with their eyes. It has not been an easy road to instructing the new band members on the ends and outs of marching band, but I have made new friends that I hope to stay in contact with for many years to come.
By taking Music Education courses throughout middle and high school, I was introduced to many different experiences. The first music competition I attended was a Solo and Ensemble event at a neighboring county high school. I performed my piece in front of three judges who were stone faced. My parents were with me that day at the school because they had no idea how to be a "Band Parent" yet. After performing, I found them and told them we had to wait on scores. While waiting some of the older band mates told me I scored a 30. We had to ask several people what that meant. They said, "basically, it means you scored a perfect score". None of us could believe that. Especially my parents. My music teacher finally found us and stated the same thing. That's when I really began to push myself harder playing the trumpet. I would stay after school and practice either by myself or with a tutor. Then after getting home from school, I would practice some more.
Over the past several years, I have been involved in many different orchestras and have won several state awards. I have participated in the Music for All program at Ball State University since 9th grade. My 10th grade experience with Music for All and the Field Army Band will always stand out as my most valued accomplishment. That year I was 1st chair overall for the Trumpet section. Part of the award was that I performed with the US Army Field Band. During the performance, I felt like I belonged on the stage with them, that I was part of the band. The music was very special that night. You could literally feel the music flowing through your body. I never want to forget that feeling
My whole life all I wanted to be when I grew up was an Engineer. After watching Mr. Price and finally believing in myself, I am entering college to hopefully obtain a business degree with a performance minor degree. I have no idea what the future holds, but I do know that music will be a part of my life due to all of my experiences with marching band and "listening with my eyes not my ears" like Mr. Price said all those years ago.

Jacob D.Gladden