Marquis,+Jenna

Jenna's Page

Goals:

1. The biggest goal I have for myself this year is to improve my breathing. In the past, this hasn't been a prolem, but for some reason, this year I am having more trouble with it. I want to be able to complete phrases without taking a breath and overall increase the amount of air I am putting into my instrument. I plan to do this by practicing breathing techniques and improving my posture while playing because I think that has a large impact on it.

2. I would also like to fix the habit of reading ahead in the music. While playing phrases that contain a lot of notes, I tend to read ahead and not actually look at what notes I am playing. In order to fix this, I need to slow down and concentrate more on each note. I need to look at every note individually, instead of just passing by each one.

3. Another goal I have is to improve intonation. I could improve my intonation among the other flutes and the whole band. To do this, I need to listen more to everyone else around me. A lot of times I don't pay attention to many other instruments, and I just focus mostly on the flutes. If I take the time to actually hear what everyone else sounds like, I will be more in tune with the rest of the band, which will help make me a better musician.

These are excellent goals! Obviously you are a very talented musician, but we can always strive to improve and fine tune our skills!! Keep up the great work!! Excellent essay!

Essay: My Most Significant Musical Experience

I have had many significant musical experiences in my life. I would have to say that my most significant experience was attending the All-State Band festival at Hershey in 2011. I was only a sophomore when I qualified for States, and I can still remember every thought, feeling, and emotion I was experiencing when my name was called as first chair at Region Band. I had worked so hard to get to that point. Once auditions were over and the All-State festival actually started, I realized what a huge deal it was to be there. I remember playing the first note of a B-flat scale and thinking how wonderful the sound was. The band, as a whole, was phenomenal. Getting to work with so many outstanding musicians at such a young age is truly a great experience. What was so great about this festival was that with every note played, it was easy to see that each person in the band wasn’t just playing the notes; they were finding a deeper meaning behind them. The quality of sound that was projected from the band was incredible. I remember being intimidated by some of the other kids because they sounded so good! I will never forget those few days that I got to spend with some of the best musicians in the state of Pennsylvania. I learned so much about music that week and about myself. I learned how each person’s part is important in what is being played, how every note should be played with confidence, but the most important thing I learned was how much I love music. States gave me a better understanding of music and everyday now, I reflect on how much I appreciate music. The All-State festival was more than just creating music; it made me want to be a better musician, it taught me how to be a better musician, and it turned me into a better musician. All I can hope for is that many kids get to do what I had the privilege of doing. Music changes lives, and I know for a fact that it has changed mine.