Noteworthy Journey

The cacophony of applause evoked a churning, visceral feeling within me. Two years ago, I would’ve never fathomed standing on this stage. After I finished the last frenzied flourish of my flute phrase, I finally found my footing. Though the moment was fuzzy and transient, bowing under the hazy stage lights felt surreal.

Music has paved the way for me to find my voice. Prior being a musician, I’d felt disconnected from others. I was a puzzle piece that tried to fit in with others but was too small to click with any grooves. My quiet disposition and crippling insecurity regarding my foreign accent made it hard for me to communicate with others. However, music doesn’t discriminate. Although every musician has a distinct tone, nobody sticks out like a sore thumb. Each unique voice comes together harmoniously.

In sixth grade, fate forced me into band. It had shown up on my schedule even though I didn’t initially sign up for it.

The band director asked what I wanted to play. I tried every instrument but discovered that I couldn't make any of them sing. I picked flute on a whim because I'd figure it out eventually (or at least, I hoped so)

After two weeks of aimlessly huffing, I sought help. I still couldn't produce anything reminiscent of a note from my instrument. Although I was stubborn and vehemently opposed to approaching other people, I began to realize that I couldn't tackle this on my own. With the aid of a high school flute player, I took my first baby steps into flute playing. Two lessons later, I finally coaxed a steady, melodic note out of the flute.

As time progressed, I faced an assortment of other musical challenges. However, I already tackled the most challenging one: getting started. So I took on more. After my first band concerts, I started to participate in a solo musical performance assessments.

However, there's a stark difference between performing for an impassive judge and an anticipating audience. When my friend took me to watch my first concerto competition, I was awestruck. The fluidity in each performer's movements and the passion they drew forth with each note felt profound. I wasn't checking off criteria boxes in my head like my judges had done during my solo performances. I was simply relishing the experience. The following year, I finally participated in my very first concerto competition.

I sought to replicate the inspiration that the performers had instilled in me. I also wanted to help others with music. This year, I became a section leader and I've done everything in my power to assist my section. Working on others one on one with musicians cultivated their skills and honed their potential. Sectionals brought each musicians' strengths together and coalesced it together.

Playing flute was unplanned and sheer serendipity. However, the lessons I've reaped from playing flute sprung from the seeds I've sown. It wasn't just luck. It was the result of perseverance and struggle.