My palms are sweaty, my heart is racing, and every eye in the audience is on
center stage where they are anticipating the arrival of a fresh and new voice. As I
start singing, I become less nervous and more anxious because I soon know I will hit
the highest note possible.
I believe in music. I believe in singing—in the car, the shower, and
out in public anywhere—that this can be one of the greatest joys that can come out
of life.
I used to play the violin for six years, but I now play another instrument: my
voice. In middle school and high school music was my life. Growing up my Mom
never had the money to send me to private voice lessons, so I instead resorted to
practicing on my own and joining my school choir. Although the music I would sing
in Choir was something that I wouldn’t consider listening to on the radio there was
still a thrill I received when performing in front of a huge audience. Days when I had
to perform in front of a crowd caused an adrenaline rush through my body. Days
when I would perform for a music festival would be filled with apprehensiveness
and excitement. During one performance I became very nervous because I was
being critiqued by three judges at a music festival. Although, I was aware that
I had fumbled over the pronunciation of some French words, I knew that even
though I wasn’t always perfect it never mattered because I gave my best effort. At
the end of every performance I always felt proud of myself. I felt proud that my
practice after endless practice resulted in a worthy performance.
Throughout choir I learned all about the subject matter of music, which
included: counting beats, determining the scale, and reading notes. I also learned to
be a part of a group that shared the same common interest as myself. Everyone
cooperated as a single assemblage. Everyone had to depend and trust one another to
make sure that no one came in early or no one was out of tune and if one person was
off, the whole group was off. In choir you really had to have trust in people, it wasn’t
a one person gig, it was a collaborated effort. We all knew that our devotion to one
another would never end. No one wanted to mess up anyone else, but the one thing
we did want was to deliver a show that would astound people.
After my years in choir I began writing my own songs and sheet music. My
lyrics were written from the moments that had made a significant impact on my life
like: the days that were filled with tears due to a relationship, or the love struck
days, or the memorable moments I shared with my girlfriends. None of my lyrics are
sugar coated; my lyrics represent everything that has made me into the person I am
today. They are a symbol of what I have endured through and without music the
appreciation of my life would be gone. No longer would I be able to sing to my
favorite karaoke songs or dance to my favorite beats.
Music is my best friend. It helps me get through crummy days, enjoy the
summer days, and reveal my emotions. It is always there for me. It is always vibrant
and loud. Music is always blasted through my radio, while I celebrate my victories
and losses.