While to many, music is just something common in their everyday lives, to me, it is my life. Every day since I was a little girl, I have lived and breathed music. It became my favorite companion and my greatest friend. For as long as I can remember, little me wanted to be a country music star. I was completely set on it. I would sing in the car, in the shower, to myself, anywhere. Singing was what I loved the most. Then as fourth grade rolled around I found myself more and more eager for fifth grade. That was when I could choose an instrument. I could join the band and finally be just like my mom. I could do amazing, beautiful things.
And boy I have.
About nine years ago I moved to Arizona and as a shy fifth grader going to a new school, I didn't quite know where I fit in. Thankfully, I had band to fill that position. My mom and I drove to the middle school and I was literally bouncing with excitement. This was it. I was going to choose an instrument and it would be mine. My mom wanted me to play trumpet, my grandfather had been pushing the clarinet for as long as I could remember, but my dad, he just said, "You know... the saxophone's a pretty jazzy instrument. I think that could sound pretty cool". And so, it stuck.
That day I received a brand new Selmer-Conn student model alto sax and I named him Scott. He was beautiful, golden lacquer, a spiral design on the bell, everything a little kid could ask for when they want to impress their new friends. The first night I owned him, I proceeded to get a cleaning swab stuck in the horn and I ran to my step dad crying for him to pull it out.
And so my musical journey began.
From there I discovered a whole new side of myself. When I had a horn in my hands I was calmer, more confident. I felt like I had complete control and I couldn't be shaken. For the past nine years whenever I was sad, confused, angry, frustrated, or simply needed to escape, saxophone was there for me. Music was a beautiful world I could escape into almost like a book. Though, instead of pages in between bindings, I had notes scrawled out on ledger paper and keys beneath my fingers. I have never felt so free as I do when I'm alone playing my instrument. It's truly been a blessing that I'm thankful for every day. If I hadn't joined in fifth grade, if I hadn't found this awkward brass tube, if I hadn't fallen desperately in love with playing, I don't know where I would be today.
Because of music and a trail of phenomenal music teachers I have grown up to become a college musician. I was accepted at Whitewater and Ripon, both with musical scholarships. I am a part of a quartet and a saxophone studio of musicians who love this instrument just as much as I do. I have played in concert bands and wind ensembles, pit bands, and pep bands. I've played pieces I have never thought possible and each and every day I amaze myself by continuing on this path. I am doing more than I ever thought possible and I am achieving things I never dreamed of.
One day, I am going to be a music teacher. I am going to give students the gift of music just like I was given in fifth grade. One day, I am going to change the world, one note at a time.
