I believe myself to be outspoken enough to command band members to dress to one another, yet not too intimidating as to drain the fun out of the process. Since freshman year, I have improved upon my dressing to forms and getting to the right dot at the right time and having participated in theater has augmented my appreciation for correct spacing and saying true to the drill written in our drill books. I would love to see both underclassmen and upperclassmen improve upon their marching skills and ability to make forms and I would be honored to help them do so. As a brass captain, I feel as though I would benefit the band because I am enthusiastic and would encourage the brass put forth 100% effort toward every warm-up and play-through of the music. I would be sure to emphasize nuances of the music in rehearsal, such as dynamic changes and accent marks because I believe that a musical performance--no matter the ensemble--is not truly successful without genuine expression.…
As a musician, nothing terrifies you more than a botched performance. We spend weeks or months or sometimes even years working on a piece, only to get on stage and make a complete fool of ourselves. It is not that we lack the talent or passion for doing the music justice, but that simple, unmanageable factors make a huge impact when we have been stuck in the habit of using our typical environment to prepare for a performance. The smallest things can make the biggest difference- whether it be a different room, a different audience, or maybe even a different instrument altogether (which is very common as a percussionist, seeing as most of our instruments are much too large to transport everywhere we go). Nevertheless, an awful performance is…
The United States’ flag is one that represents numerous things. It's in and of itself, a simile. It represents our country. It rallies its people to stand for their beliefs. It gives hope to those who have none.…
For the last two years, I have contributed to my Advanced Women’s Show Choir’s success as a performer and as a dance captain. My talent as a dancer and my ability to quickly learn choreography led to my selection as dance captain. This leadership role requires me to be a responsible person, a patient teacher and a supportive team member. Being a part of a nationally top-ranked show choir, I know the requirements of my role, and I was always thrilled to be selected as a dance captain during my junior and senior years. As dance captain, I schedule and lead dance sectionals, helping the girls review the choreography from previous rehearsals.…
The group you are leading may only have a handful of alumni, so you must be prepared to take a bunch of freshman, some who may not even have any marching experience, and make them perfect by the time the season is over. Most people would see that as a challenge, but the true leaders would see that as a challenge they are willing to take one. I love taking on challenges, as I feel it builds character. Over the…
During the course of my senior year, I had to prepare myself and others for marching. The MPB (Mean Purple Band) has a very rich history in the small town of Carrizo Springs. Our marching band had a 29-year streak of receiving 1’s at UIL marching competition. This year we had a chance to turn it into a 30-year streak and I did not want to end my senior year breaking the streak. Being a section leader, I had to attend a camp of some sort hosted by our very own band directors.…
I have been active in many groups throughout high school and each has had a great impact on my life. However, there are some that stand out above the rest and I know that those experiences will stay with me for the rest of my life. Being a member of the executive board for my schools music honors society is one of those activities. This high standing in the society has given me many experiences that have added to my skills in working in a stressful work environment. There are some on the board that are not as active in the events we have.…
From the start of my four year commitment to football and marching band I saw leadership all around me. My first summer of football my freshman year the seniors were prime examples of leadership. They were right there to correct form on our lifts, blocks, and set the overall example of what it meant to be a Mead football player. Later that summer I threw in marching band camp to my agenda. The drum major, my sister, lead the band with kept the entire band in order, and worked with us until our sets were flawless.…
It had always been a dream of mine to enter high school and be not only a member of the dance team, but an officer or a colonel. Since I am an experienced, competitive dancer and have been dancing since I was 3, becoming a member of the team was fairly simple, but I knew becoming an officer would be a challenge. I became a member of the team my freshman year and instantly fell in love with the change of environment. When sophomore year arose, being apart of the team became tedious, but my yearning passion to become a captain continued my intense drive.…
I am writing this letter to share my experience as a ninth grade student in English 11 at Fairfield Warde High School. I would like to discuss both the positive and negative aspects of the English curriculum this year, as well as the transition from middle school to high school as it pertains to my English experience. Throughout the year, there have been several texts that we have not only read, but spent a significant amount of time analyzing and discussing. One of the most effective units was on the novel Anthem by Ayn Rand. This novel explores the contrast between the philosophical concepts of individualism and collectivism.…
I’ve also spent many hours participating in concert band. The William Blount High School Band has not only helped me grow as a tuba player, but the band has also helped me grow as a person. I’ve learned how to interact better with people because of band; I’ve also learned how to be an effective leader by being in the William Blount High School Band. I auditioned to be a drum major at the end of my sophomore year. Thankfully, I was awarded the position of pregame drum major.…
Slowly, I began to get closer and closer to front and center. My sophomore and junior year in high school, I began to flourish and I was blessed with many opportunities. I was scouted by UCLA’s dance intensive program two years in a row, placed in numerous national and world competitions,…
According to vocabulary.com, a leader is the person in charge of a group, who is able to convince other people to follow their lead. However, I strongly believe that a leader is much more than that. A great leader is a role model that “inspires” confidence in other people and the person who motivates their peers to put their best foot forward and achieve overall success by working together. As an upcoming sophomore next year, I am determine to become an assistant drum major because I want to gain experience as well as expanding my leadership skills through the dedication and commitment I have.…
It was 8 a.m. during summer break and I had just walking into the high school to start my first year of marching band. Millions of thoughts rushed through my head, “What if I forget the music? What if I mess the drill up?”As I walked to the field one of my friends introduced me to someone who would become the greatest mentor during my high school career. Alex Murphy was the lead saxophonist at Kingsway Regional High School.…
Dancing in the Spotlight Standing in the spotlight is a very frightening, gut-wrenching accomplishment. Dancing alone in the spotlight can be even more so. I experienced dancing in the spotlight two years ago, when I played the part of Clara in the Nutcracker. Of course, it all started with dance, or rather, without dance. My mom was driving me to the studio, but I was not feeling well, so she strode inside to inform my teacher I was unable to dance that day.…