Owen F
My name is Owen and I am a sixth grade band student at Monroe Elementary. This is my first year in band, but I have always loved music. Growing up, my dad always shared his love of music. He sings, plays guitar, plays bass, and plays drums. He leads worship at our church and gives lessons to kids out of our house. Some of my favorite memories around music are when he makes up listen to random songs on the way to school and scream sings them at the top of his lungs. My brothers and I sing a lot, so much that my mom recorded us every day singing parts of songs. I knew I wanted to play instruments when my dad noticed my musical talent, to be able to hear songs and play them by sound. I started taking some piano lessons, but really fell in love with playing instruments when we started the recorder in fifth grade. At the end of fifth grade the band teacher invited us to the band room to try the instruments. When I tried the clarinet, I loved the way it sounded and that it reminded me of the recorder, which I was already used to. This first year in band has given me more opportunities to explore music and interact with other people.
Band had really impacted my life and made my days at school more enjoyable. I have the opportunity to be in class with people that I never knew before, and even call them friends. It has also given me the chance to get to know some of the high school band students as well. These people have become mentors to me in music and encourage me so much. Between the band directors and the high school students, as well as my classmates, I have become a more confident person. I feel like I belong with a group of people who have accepted and encouraged me to pursue music. A lot of people only do band for a year because they had to choose a fine art. But, I see the band from a different angle. I see it as a place for me to be creative and explore music and be myself. I plan on continuing in the band throughout middle school and high school, even trying out for more elite band groups or even pep band or marching band. My cousin is a member of the middle school band and I have seen how she has thrived in her personal and musical life because of her involvement. It really is a place where you make friends and develop skills that will last a lifetime.
I know I am young, but the band has already become a big part of my life. I am proud to be a member of the school band and I look forward to continuing the journey. One thing that is special about the band for me, is the bond that it provides for me and my dad. Not only does he perform music now, but he was in the school band when he was my age. I love sharing what I learn with him and know he is proud of me. I am proud of myself as well.
