Bouncing Back from a Bad Audition by Jessica

Bouncing Back from a Bad Audition by Jessica - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

At the time, I was completely crushed after my sophomore year band audition. In leaving that room, I knew that my performance was far from the best. My dread was soon confirmed when the seating results were posted. Sure, I was not the worst flutist in the group, but after being near the top for several years, I found myself in a tougher environment. To stir the feelings even more, I received a joke from my band director about not knowing how to play with my right hand. Of course he said it in a joking manner, but that comment would stick with me. After that audition experience and the proceeding results and comment, I was left with an important decision on my hands: would I accept the mediocre path before me or would I take a step on the more difficult path of improvement?
My band director’s comment regarding my audition signified the lowest point in our relationship. Even before then, I never really got along with him, and I was even intimidated by him sometimes. Yet, I also looked up to him because he knew music and his love for it showed in all of the time and effort he put into the high school music department. Inspired by his own dedication, I had a new drive. The lowest point would become a turning point.
I had realized that I could not progress on my own any longer. Admitting that I need help has not always been easy, but I knew I had to admit it then if I would ever bounce back from such a lousy audition. As a result of this realization, I talked to my parents, got opinions on different instructors, and eventually signed up for flute lessons in the summer before junior year.
Several sources of motivation and future goals rallied me to this point. I strove to achieve a higher chair in my band reseating and to audition for district band, where the best of the best from the district play it out for a small amount of spots. Thinking back, however, my biggest drive came from hitting the bottom of my flute career. My band director’s joke and scoring gave me the motivation to turn my journey in music around. My own passion for music was so strong that I did not want to settle where I was. I knew that I could improve with the aid of an instructor, and I had the desire to follow through and become a better musician.
From that moment until now, I have made numerous accomplishments in music from gaining a spot in district band to landing a place as a music performance minor at the Penn State School of Music. Most importantly, I have found a fun and inspiring friend in my high school band director. When we see each other and I give him a hug, I cannot believe I was ever intimidated by him. I could not be more thankful however, as his joking words and passion for music allowed me to take the difficult path of seeking help, turning rough times around, and striving for self-improvement.