Orchestra: My Gateway to Cultivation of Life by Lia

Orchestra: My Gateway to Cultivation of Life by Lia - November 2015 Scholarship Essay

Orchestra may seem like one of the easiest A’s to achieve in the high school curriculum, but this class can give you so much more than just a good grade and can teach you so much more than just music. This is why the orchestra program within my school is the aspect of my education for which I am most thankful. It has fostered growth in many areas of my life and has allowed me to participate in amazing opportunities that have helped to develop and shape my character. I have also had the chance to create friendships with some amazing and inspiring people.
The first day of my sophomore year was quite intimidating considering I had been homeschooled for the last three years of my life. My stomach was in knots and the pressures of the day were catching up to me. That all changed when I stepped into my 7th period class, Orchestra. I was immediately taken with the fantastic musical environment and multitude of friendly smiling faces. The teacher, Mr. Nelson, was cracking jokes and making everyone feel welcome. As the period rolled on, I let out a deep breath releasing the stress of the first day. I knew this was going to be an awesome class, and I knew that the friendships that I would make here would last much longer than graduation day. I had heard that music could improve your life, but I didn’t know how much until I became part of the Fargo South Concert Orchestra.
One of the many characteristics I have gained from being part of my school orchestra is confidence. Through hours of practice and interpretation of music, I have improved my ability to play my instrument, the viola, and this improved ability gives me confidence during rehearsals and performances. This confidence transfers to my life outside of music as well. During class, with friends, and at soccer practice this confidence shines through. It helps me to be comfortable and proud of who I am as an individual.
Another quality orchestra has instilled in me is leadership. Orchestra rehearsal requires you to know and understand every aspect of your music and even some aspects of other people’s music in order to make performances successful. You have to be responsible, and If you are not, people know; it is quite an unpleasant feeling. This feeling often used to cause my cheeks to go beet red and hands clammy with embarrassment. Therefore, I decided responsibility was a better choice than this unpleasant feeling and ever since I have resolved to learn my music properly.
This responsibility brought forth discipline and organization into my life. Numerous rehearsals and practice sessions are needed to pull off awesome concerts. This means that it was essential that I arrived at orchestra class on time and organized individual and group practice sessions at home often. These activities have nurtured the development of discipline and organization within my life. They are now essential characteristics I exhibit on a daily basis to survive and prosper in high school academics and activities.
The experience I am most thankful for in regards to the orchestra program within my school was the opportunity to be a part of the North Dakota All-State Orchestra. I remember my hands shaking before that nerve-racking audition, the uncertainty of waiting for results, and the swell of pride and accomplishment when I was chosen to be the leader of my beloved viola section. The rehearsals were exhilarating and the concert was extraordinary. It was an experience that I’ll never forget.
I have tremendous gratitude for the Fargo South Orchestra Program. It is a part of me and has cultivated my character with every note I played within it. The love of music I developed through my experiences within this program will stay with me for the rest of my life and it is something I plan on sharing with my friends and family throughout the rest of my life.