How I Found My Passion by Samantha

How I Found My Passion by Samantha - September 2017 Scholarship Essay

The one elective that most defined my education was band and this started in fifth grade. The band director from the middle school, Mr. Norris, came to my elementary school to try to recruit students into the middle school music program. I have always loved music. Singing at the top of my lungs was always one of my favorite things to do but I was terrified of singing in front of people so that eliminated chorus. The summer before fifth grade I took violin lessons but I struggled to properly balance the instrument and realized playing a string instrument wasn’t for me so there went orchestra. This left band. A few days later my music teacher showed us a video of professionals playing. You could feel their passion and that was when I decided I wanted to learn to play the saxophone. The hardest part starting on the saxophone was getting used to the taste of the reeds, it tasted as if I took a branch off of a tree and stuck it in my mouth. I have to admit, when middle school started and I learned about the annual Eighth Grade Trip to Disneyland, that motivated me to stick with the program. By the time the it was my turn to go on the trip, I was more interested in the recording session in the Disney Studio than in the amusement park. I was officially hooked.

Towards the end of the high school marching season, we were encouraged to attend the “Middle School Night” at the high school. This program paired eighth graders with high school marching band players for a Friday night football game. We learned the high school fight song and other stand tunes that helped energize the fans. Even though I’m very shy, I was welcomed by the band and knew I belonged. The typical shy girl was replaced with my wild and energetic self. I was so excited to try-out for the marching band. At last, the day of tryouts was here. I kept thinking what would happen if I didn’t make it or if I wasn’t good enough. I went in and I played my music. I was a nervous wreck and every other note on my instrument squeaked. I left the school almost in tears and I was certain I wasn’t going to make the cut. I spent the rest of the day anxiously waiting for the results. Finally, when they posted the team, I screamed with excitement as I spotted my name on the list.

As the start of school came near, marching band season began. We spent a few hours a day learning our music then went to band camp for a week. By the end of the week, we were able to play the entire show. This is a significant accomplishment and it was only achieved with the drive and passion coming from our band director, Mr. Thye. Mr. Thye was so inspirational, encouraging, and always there to make sure you knew you were part of the team. Anytime you felt down or needed any kind of support Mr. Thye was there to help you through it. He spoke of always giving your best, to be early is to be on time, and leaving it all on the field. He stressed that you should never have regrets and you should always be humble in victory and defeat.

Overall, I have learned a lot through all my years of being in band. I have learned to always fight for something you believe is right and never give up. Also, I have learned, when you’re pushed down, to get back up and fight even harder. My band family has always been there for me and I am so thankful to have so many people to guide me in the right direction and lead me toward the path of success. Many people may look at band as just an elective, but band has been so much more. Band has been family, band has been my motivation, my drive but more than anything, band has been my heart and life blood for the past seven years. Band is me.