My musical lesson by Kecia

My musical lesson by Kecia - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

Lessons can come in all shapes and sizes. The most important lesson to me came through a baton held in the hands of the greatest impactor of my life, Mr. Kuntzelman. One of my favorite quotes is, “If they say you can't, show them you CAN.” and through his actions and words, Mr. Kuntzelman embodies this quote.
Coming into freshman year, I told myself that I would try to be as involved in my new high school as possible. I distinctly remember one night I had decided to go to a football game with my friend. Not knowing many people there, we found ourselves next to the bleachers where the band was playing. I remember watching the band and noticed that every single member had a smile on their faces. The director was full of energy and cracking jokes with all the students. He even waved at me when he saw that I was watching the band. I thought to myself, "I want to belong to something like that." So I made it happen. I was intimidated to walk into the band room in school monday morning, but I made myself do it. I didn't know anything about how to play a brass instrument and I was clueless as to how I could learn. However, I stuck to my plan and I told the teacher I wanted to learn how to play. When he pulled out a trumpet case, however nerve racking and daunting it was to pick a trumpet up and learn, it seemed like the sun and moon aligned and I knew I was meant to play. After many after school practices, and filling my house with sounds that resembled a dying cow, I finally figured out how to play. Having taught myself, and having extra help from a peer I felt ready.
Halfway through my freshman year, I joined the White River High School Concert Band. Although I couldn't play up to the pace that all the other kids could play at, I was determined. At the end of my freshman year, Mr. Kuntzelman gave me an award for being the most improved freshman. And I distinctly remember him saying, "This student is determined, she never stopped chasing her dreams. She worked hard to be the player she is now, and I know there are great things in store for her. She has somehow been able to catch up to kids who have been playing since 5th grade. I would hear her practicing in the band room when everybody had gone home, and she never gave up." He never stopped challenging me, by giving me songs and parts that tested my strength as a player.
Now, I'm getting ready to take on my senior year. I will be taking up the spot I had last year, first chair in the White River High School Wind Ensemble. I will be continuing in the jazz band that is chosen by Mr. Kuntzelman himself, the best players. I will annually march in the daffodil parades and help new players find the motivation and help they need. After Mr. Kuntzelman suggested I help the 5th graders learn how to play, I began to teach and play alongside them at the district concert at the end of the year. There is just something so inspiring about all bands ranging from 5th grade to the top high school bands coming together to show off musical talent. Directed under none other than the best, Mr. Kuntzelman.
That was the most important lesson I could have ever been taught. I chased my dreams, and never gave up. By working hard and reminding myself of the goals I had in mind, I worked my way up to the top. Now, I am a part of a family. Thanks to one of the best mentors and the most inspirational teacher in my life, I can make music from my heart. I can make music from my soul.