Experience of a Lifetime by Jacqueline

Experience of a Lifetime by Jacqueline - December 2013 Scholarship Essay

As a student in High School, I was an active member in both the all female and mixed choirs. The experiences I had during those four years have impacted my life and will stay a part of me forever. I believe that music feeds the soul and from that I am changed, however, many of the experiences taught me lessons in life that are invaluable.

Through those years I had the opportunity to participate in concerts and competitions. I learned how to sing in a variety of groups and how to sing independently. Singing in a group can be very challenging. Many things change when singing in a group that do not matter as much individually, such as pronunciation of words, pitch, harmony, and volume. A choir rehearsal could last hours and it would feel as if nothing had been accomplished. However, when the concert arrived, we were prepared and always performed spectacularly. Hard work always paid off in the end and I was never disappointed in our performance. In life, I am reminded that it is important to work as a team. Although it may be easier to work independently, in the end, sharing a success is much more spectacular.

Hard work as a team always encouraged camaraderie and friendship. Although I only interacted with some of my choir mates during choir class or rehearsal, we always looked out for one another. During all day competitions, we would help each other with our solos or with homework. I am still good friends with many of the people I met in choir and am reminded of my past. I feel blessed to still be connected to people from my past and continue to share in life experiences.

I participated in four major musical productions during my years in high school. The productions were led by the choir directors, casted by the high school students, and made entirely possible by the student’s parents. Each musical was a challenge due to time, money, and continued life outside of the production. I was always astounded at the dedication given by all during the 4-6 weeks prior to performance. The four productions I participated in during high school will always bring a smile to my face. I believe I was changed each time. Undertaking such a large task and achieving success is thrilling. Also, I have stage fright and each time I overcame that fear and enjoyed myself tremendously. Those times remind me that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to.

Lastly, I was able to go on 2 major trips with my high school choir. As a freshman in high school, I participated in an international tour to England. As a senior in high school, I traveled with the choir to New York City, NY and sang in Carnegie Hall. These experiences as a high school student were unbelievable. These travels introduced me to the world beyond my town. After my trip to England, a spark ignited within me and I wanted to see more of the world. I do not know if I would have the interest of travel without the experiences I had in high school.

I am very blessed to have had the many experiences I had as a high school choir student. Overall, I believe the teachers I had made all the experiences possible. I am aware that many teachers do not have the same dedication and drive. My teacher’s love of teaching and love of their students was evident each day in the many ways that they encouraged and participated in their student’s lives. I will always remember one of my teacher’s soapbox lessons of, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”. I feel that I learned to be well balanced based on her encouragement and reminders. I believe I am changed for the better by the experiences I had as a high school choir member.