“Thank you Mom!” is something someone who didn’t want to join an activity their mom signed them up for and ended up loving that activity would want to say. Playing an instrument was something I never even thought of trying because of how difficult I knew it was. I had friends in the school band telling me how they wanted to leave because they were so bored of it. I knew that playing an instrument was a challenge but I didn’t know about all the wonderful opportunities I could get. Some of these opportunities are that I got to the Merit School of Music which is an amazing school that I get to go to every Saturday specifically to learn about music and how to become a better player. Another opportunity I got was being able to go to a music camp where I gained a lot of friends that are from all around Illinois and where I got an award for being at the top of my class and I got a scholarship to go to another camp with more challenging and engaging classes. But these achievements are just some of my personal achievements, everyone is different and anyone can get so many more greater opportunities.
I started playing an instrument at a community center about 2 years ago, then I joined my school band at the beginning of my 8th grade year and I’ve had such amazing experiences and chances since. I wish that other people could have these wonderful experiences and opportunities so I believe that everyone should play an instrument. Playing an instrument is something that some people might not want to do but they don’t know the benefits that come from being able to play an instrument. In my personal experience, I’ve gotten the chance to go to music camps that can teach you so many things, not only how to play an instrument but how to interact and create new connections with people that share the same interest. Another reason why you’ve got to try playing an instrument is if you get really good at playing the instrument professionally, you can possibly make a lot of money. I’ve heard from my band directors that if someone can get to that type of playing, you could make 6 figures from just playing an instrument.
The challenge about being a successful instrumentalist is that hardly any are able to achieve it, only people who have that flaming passion and dedication to become great. So if anyone else can be similar to that, that is an amazing thing you could get remembered for and praised for. Furthermore, if you’re the type of person that doesn’t like sports at all then playing an instrument might be just right for you. Even though its not physical exercise you exercise your resilience; no one is perfect, when you play an instrument you have to practice, nobody can get it on the first try, it takes time and dedication to get where some other people are and you learn how to become more resilient and determined. Additionally, playing an instrument in a band or group can assist you in meeting tons of new people.
In my experience I’ve made friends with the people playing the same instrument as me or with people who sit around me. You can create strong connections that could last for the rest of your life. Some of my closest friends are from band. But a band isn’t the only place you can meet new people. When you play an instrument people notice you and you could get invited to music camps, schools, trips to other places to play for other people, filled with people that have the same interests as you, music. Playing an instrument won’t be easy, it will be hard and you may want to give up at times but just try and never give up on something that could be life changing.
Raul Villazana – St. Laurence High School – DMSF Class of 2029
Photo Credit: New Africa – Adobe Stock