Dedication Is A Necessity by Kiryn

Dedication Is A Necessity by Kiryn - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

My passion for music is strong; it is a gift of support, guidance, and strength. The rhythms and melodies that uplift me is something I never want to disappear out of my life. Entering high school opened my mind to many things, but music was something that couldn’t be moved. Although Graphic Arts was my curriculum, I worked towards getting a music class on my schedule. My General Education and Graphic Arts classes did not allow me to do so for two years. Junior year opened a door that granted me space on my schedule for just one elective. I took that opportunity and ran with it.

My high school’s Harp and Vocal Ensemble not only taught me music lessons, but life lessons as well. When I took on the role of First Soprano Section Leader, I began to understand the bigger picture and purpose of the class. I was no longer just a member. I became a leader that had to set an example for others in the group. Being that I was only a second-year member, the task wasn’t easy. Dedication is a necessity, and I learned that lesson from my vocal teacher.

With any class, you must put forth effort to get the best results. Harp and Vocal was no different, but it came with more discipline. Learning music just for me was not enough; I had to learn it for the benefit of my section members too. There were times where I failed to do that, and my excuses were no excuse at all. Harp and Vocal isn’t just an ensemble, it is a sisterhood. There was no ‘every man for himself’. Working as a group is what made us stronger. Our strength came from taking time out of our music learning sessions and making room for our life learning lessons. Doing so made us capable of understanding how the two concepts intertwine. Group discussions and exercises helped me realize that music is much more than sound. It is neither simple nor effortless, so how could I ever treat it as such?

The lyrics to each and every song we sung had great meaning, and the ensemble’s task was to express them with emotion. A night’s study was far from close to what was expected of us. Coming into Harp and Vocal, all I wanted to do was sing, but in the process, I learned what it takes to be a great leader. I learned what it takes to produce good, quality music. I learned what it takes to never give up. It all started with comprehending that dedication is a necessity to succeed.