Music has been a part of my life ever since I can first play the clarinet. For the longest time I never knew how much of an impact music has had on my life until recently. Music has given me more opportunities to make friends and try out different styles of music that I have never listened to before. Because of my skill as a clarinet player, I have had the opportunity to try out different variations of the clarinet and that has broadened my knowledge of different parts. Music has opened new opportunities for me and if it wasn't for music, I would not be the person that I am today.
I picked the clarinet as my main instrument because I saw myself as a woodwind player. While flute and saxophone seem to be perfect instruments because they too are woodwinds, I felt that the clarinet was the most comfortable for me. Plus, I also got to experience playing the bass clarinet, a favorite of mine in wind ensemble and larger bands, and the contralto clarinet, an instrument that I was [somewhat] comfortable with. Playing that instrument has changed me for the better.
Playing the clarinet has given me the chance to break out of my comfort zone. By performing on stage I get to express my feelings through the music that I play. While at times I am nervous, excited, or a mix of both, the moment I start to play, the only thing that matters is the music that is being played from my clarinet. Music takes over me and I enjoy how it gives me a way to express myself. I'm an extroverted woman, I'll admit that. But music makes sure that I am always in control with myself and my emotions, it's incredible.
By being a clarinet player, I have had the opportunity to make new friends because we all share our love of playing the clarinet. I never expected to have so many friends because of that reason alone; it's incredible! I am so blessed to play music and the same instrument as my friends because music has definitely brought me and my friends closer.
As a musician, I have been given many opportunities to perform at various places. I would typically perform mostly at school in front of family and friends. There were times where I performed not only out of town and outside of school, but out of state! I performed in Virginia Beach, Cleveland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Disney World, even Carnegie Hall!! Music does indeed take you places. By traveling to different places I got to experience performing in different environments, whether it was indoors or outdoors. At the same time I got to enjoy how much music meant to people in those locations. It was amazing!
Most importantly, music has taught me a lot of lessons that I will take with me for the rest of my life. I learned that music is always around you no matter where you go, even if the places you go are silent. I also learned that there isn't perfection in music, otherwise, it would be too boring to listen to (as a perfectionist, it was hard to take in this particular lesson, but I did indeed learn it well). Another thing that I learned along the way was the music is the perfect getaway. If you are struggling or stressed and need something to relax you, music is the way to go.
The most important lesson that I learned from playing music, is that music is more than an art, it is a way of life. It is embedded withing our very core. Music shapes us as human beings. Music reacts with us on an emotional level. Music is all around us. Music is life. I can thank my music teachers and professors for helping me realize music is a part of me.
As for my clarinet, a typical woodwind with a love-hate relationship of broken reeds and loud squeaks because of the high notes I'm playing. The clarinet is one of the most beautiful instruments ever created. It has such an amazing sound that is captivating. This woodwind has the ability to resonate beautiful harmonies, which is why I love playing it so much.
Music means the world to me and playing the clarinet has helped me realize that.
