Piacentini,+Juliana

I have three goals that I would like to achieve in band this year.
 * Band Goals**
 * 1) I would like to increase the accuracy in my runs. I want to hit every note and make it distinct (even if slurred) so it will sound clear instead of sounding like I'm pressing down random keys on my flute.
 * 2) I would like to improve my breathing. I would like to be able to sustain notes longer and to not breathe as often while keeping a good tone and stable air support.
 * 3) I would like to improve my vibrato. Although I don't take private lessons, I'm finding that, the more I play, the better I am at vibrato, and I would like to continue improving this skill.

I will achieve each of these goals in specific ways:
 * 1) I will practice my scales every day faster and faster until I'm comfortable with doing them quickly. This will be my warm-up; then I will practice the specific runs I'm having trouble with. Even if it's for 5-10 minutes every day, it will help me improve my runs.
 * 2) I will blow into my flute on a certain note, staying on that note the whole time, and practice breathing and seeing how long I can sustain a note. Each time I will try to sustain it longer, and I will also practice different dynamics to gain control over my air and what sound it produces. Seeming as this will most likely be difficult for me, I will practice from 15-20 minutes at a time 3-4 times a week.
 * 3) I will practice both music and scales, focusing on my vibrato and how it sounds. If needed, I can look at YouTube videos or ask Mr. Sheehan if I need more help, but the more I practice, the better I'll get.

Music has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. First, I started dance at age four, then I began taking piano lessons when I was five, adding violin when I was nine and flute when I was ten. I also went to SongFest in fifth grade and was a member of the chorus in seventh grade. All of these activities have given me so many memorable experiences throughout the years, so it's hard to narrow it down to just one. However, there is one in particular that stands out; singing the chorus song "Simple Song of Peace" in seventh grade. In seventh grade, life was all about change - it was the year of transition from elementary to secondary school. We met new teachers, became friends with new people, and grew accustomed to the new building we would be spending the next three years in. The year was going along smoothly once everyone had finally settled in, until Thursday, March 6, 2008. That was the day Jasmine Campanero was killed. We received the news at the end of fourth period, and I sat there in shock. Jasmine, although not a close friend of mine at that time, had been my friend in third grade. She had a tragic home life, being passed around foster homes, and had a personal aide sit with her in school every day. Because she was different, she was often made fun of and didn't have any friends. But I got to know her, and our friendship blossomed. After that year, I didn't see her much and she made new friends, as did I, but I always thought of her. When I learned that she had died, I was devastated. Her whole life to me was tragic, and that it had to end so soon depressed me. That was one of the worst days of my life. Monday we found out that there would be a memorial service for Jasmine after school at a funeral home. Mrs. Nagy had an announcement made for anyone who wanted to sing something at her service. We were to go down to the chorus room to rehearse during a fifth period. That was when I first heard the song, "Simple Song of Peace." We had been singing it in chorus, but this was the first time I truly felt and understood the words. I, along with a few other girls, offered to sing the high soprano part that was written in. Mrs. Nagy agreed, and we began singing the song. During the rehearsal, I kept thinking to myself about how beautiful we sounded. We were just a small group of twelve- and thirteen-year-olds, but we came together and sounded like mature young adults. When Mrs. Nagy played the final chord to the song, everyone stayed quiet and still until she announced, "That's going to be wonderful." For the rest of the day, I was anxious about Jasmine's service. I didn't want to go, but I knew that I needed to for both her and me. When my mom and I arrived, there was already a line. I saw several of my grade school teachers, one coming over to me, giving me a hug, and gently saying, "You were her first friend." After we had passed by her picture and urn (she had been cremated already,) we sat down and waited for the service to begin. Somewhere close to the beginning, we were called up to sing. Mrs. Nagy set up her portable keyboard, and we began the song. While singing, I looked at everyone in the room, and I could just feel her with me. I knew that she appreciated what I was doing, and I knew she was finally at peace. Once the song was over, I could hold in my tears no more, and I ran out of the room. This is not the end of her story, however. A month or so later, we performed the same song at our spring concert. When we finally got to "Simple Song of Peace," Mrs. Nagy invited the same group of sopranos up once again, and she dedicated the song to Jasmine. While we were singing, I once again felt her presence. It was so strong that my whole body was tingling and I got the goosebumps. I knew she was watching over me, and that day I sang that song better than I ever had before. It became her song, and to me, it's still her song to this very day. Jasmine and I weren't best friends. We weren't extremely close and never got together outside of school. Towards the end, our friendship had become more like a memory; we never talked, but we both knew our past. Regardless, she changed my life. If I wouldn't have met Jasmine, I wouldn't be the person, or musician, that I am today. The musical experience I had with Jasmine's song, "Simple Song of Peace," made me realize how music can really touch you and connect you with other people. I am thankful that I got to know Jasmine and I'm proud to say that my most significant musical experience was related to her.
 * My Most Significant Musical Experience**