It's been a year?!?

I can't believe that I am ending my freshman year of college! It still feels like yesterday that I was laying in bed the night before I came to school wondering if I had made the right decision. I'll never forget how nervous I was my first week at Western. As the days went by, I became more and more comfortable...I look back and wonder why I was so nervous, because I knew that God was directing me where I was supposed to go.

Musically, everyone says I've improved so much..but some days it doesn't feel like it. Some days it feels like I'm the worst player out there...and others it feels like I'm on top of the world.  Last night as I laid in bed reflecting on my jury (unable to fall asleep), I went back and watched some of my practice session videos from the beginning of the semester...I realized how much I really have improved.  As I listened back to my solo from a recording in February, I couldn't help but smile at how much I had improved.  If someone would have told me a year ago that I would be playing the solo I played this semester, I would have laughed in their face. I would have told them that they are crazy.

This year has reminded me that if I'm willing to put in work, great things will come.  The late nights and early mornings are worth it, if you want the best results possible.  It has taught me that on the days when your playing is at its worst, you have to push through and keep going.  You have to learn from your mistakes and start fresh the next time you pick up the horn.  (And, yes, this is easier said than done!) Some rehearsals might suck, you might get called out, or you might not want to be there...but in the end, is it all worth it? To me, the answer is yes.  To me, those bad rehearsals might be what push you to the next level...that rehearsal you don't want to go to may be when you hear an inspiring message from a director or just a fellow musician.

Here is a link to a piece that I played for Solo & Ensemble my sophomore year of high school.  This is one of my favorite pieces I have ever played.  Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9Bi7fpWWqw