Triumph Through My Trumpet by Lily

Triumph Through My Trumpet by Lily - December 2016 Scholarship Essay

Successes. Challenges. Joys. Opportunities. Playing the trumpet well is the school accomplishment for which I am most proud. Initially, I did not have my heart set on playing the trumpet. I was also considering the flute; however, something drew me to the trumpet. Maybe the reason was the trumpet’s sound, or how it looked. I don’t know. Flutes were more common for girls to play, and I just liked the trumpet. I finally picked this unique brass instrument. I love my trumpet and am glad I chose it!
I started playing when I was 12, and have continued ever since. Currently, I am in my fifth year. I have won solo competitions, and I have earned first chair in my band. While these successes are part of the reason I am proud of this accomplishment, overcoming the challenges makes it more meaningful.
Even though I have won competitions and have played well in my band, I have had some struggles. Last year, I had braces put on my teeth. I knew playing would be different, but I did not realize how much work needed to be put in to my playing for me to continue to excel. My tone was different, and it was harder to play high notes. It took me many months to get used to the braces, but I never gave up. I practiced very much, and kept trying to get better. I was able to retain the first chair section in my band, but my solo performances did suffer some. I had a solo recital a couple months after having my braces, and I did much worse than when I played the same song without braces. That experience helped me to work harder for the competition, and I won it! Despite my braces being a challenge, I never gave up, and I feel that my attitude then has helped me to do even better now, while furthering my joy in making music.
I really like making music with my trumpet, and it has opened up a whole new world of joy for me. I have always gone to orchestral concerts, but I appreciate them much more now. I relate to the musicians performing, and have a new respect for what they can do. Having actually played, I have a better idea of how much work they put in to their music. I am also able to listen more carefully to the different sections and relate it to my own band. Any time I listen to a live performance of an instrumental ensemble, I enjoy it more since taking up an instrument myself. Actually playing my instrument brings delight as well. I like making a melody sound beautiful and forming new friendships through my band. Performing with my fellow musicians is really fun. We are a team, and when we have finished a concert, it feels great to share the moment together. While enjoyable, playing in a band and individually has also brought educational and other opportunities.
Playing my trumpet has provided learning opportunities and growth. Before taking up my instrument, I did not know how to read music, let alone play. After learning to read music, I realized how music is a language of its own, and it was really neat to learn. I also have been able to practice setting and achieving goals while learning my instrument. Although it takes many hours of hard work to achieve my goals, these accomplishments help me to be a better musician and a better person. For example, I am able to learn discipline, and use various parts of my brain while counting, playing, and reading the music. Not only does playing my instrument bring opportunities for me, but also for others. Through my band and on my own, I have been able to share music with a retirement community, my homeschool group, and others. Every year, my band performs at a local assisted living facility for Veterans Day. Likewise, I play at my homeschool group’s talent show each year. I have also been honored to be asked to share my music in other venues, such as a friend’s class and a memorial service. Not only am I able to learn new things while playing, I am also able to share music with others through my instrument.
The various aspects of playing my trumpet has made it the school accomplishment of which I am most proud. Through my instrument, I have succeeded at competitions and in my band, and I have overcome difficult challenges. In addition, I enjoy making music and seeing others enjoy it as well. Playing is fun, and brings many opportunities. I look forward to my trumpet playing providing new accomplishments and possibilities in the future.