I watched intently as Dr. Sedatole queued the chime duet at the beginning of the second movement from H. Owen Reed 's “La Fiesta Mexicana”. It was at this moment that, for the first time, I remember feeling no stress, anxiety, fear, or nervousness on stage. “Mass” is the name of this movement, and it brilliantly features specific instruments symbolizing different notable parts of a catholic mass. I loved this movement, and this piece more than anything I had ever performed, and I truly enjoyed each moment I spent rehearsing and performing it. After two days with our clinician, Dr. Kevin Sedatole from Michigan State University, my high school’s wind ensemble performed “La Fiesta Mexicana” at the North Texas Premier Pre-UIL Festival. This clinic was my favorite memory from band last year, as I gained an appreciation and connection to the music that I had not yet experienced. Knowing what each percussive instrument I played symbolized in the piece made me feel like I was not just a part of the music, but a part of the story that Reed was telling. My chimes were the church bells drawing people in for Mass, the woodblocks were trotting horses, and the marimba represented the bass in a mariachi band. Our wind ensemble performed this piece many times that spring, and each time enhanced my love for music more than I thought was possible. I believe that “La Fiesta Mexicana” played a major role in what prompted me to audition for the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra, and take music more seriously in general. I had found a passion for music in middle school, but I now have a passion for performing, and performing as much as possible. As I further my education, I will study clinical psychology with a goal to go to medical school. Although I will not be majoring in music, I look forward to keeping my passion and utilizing my skill in as many ways as I can. I will audition for the marching band at my college, and I will continue working on my first studio album with my band, “Grits”. My main personal goal is to make a difference in the lives of people struggling with their mental health, and to keep playing drums and piano for the rest of my life. The schools I am looking at all have top tier psychology programs that I won't be able to attend without scholarship opportunities like this one. I am hoping to be awarded this scholarship so that I can pursue my dreams of helping others while continuing my growing passion for music. Musical Achievements List: During my freshman year (2021-2022) I had a solo in our UIL Marching Band show and I made my school’s top wind ensemble. The next year (2022 - 2023) I was named the Front Ensemble Section Leader, and I played drum-set for the jazz band and musical theatre production, “Mamma Mia!”. During my junior year (2023 - 2024), I was named percussion co-captain, first chair in my school’s wind ensemble, and first chair All-Region Honor Band. I also played drums for the Lake Highlands show choir, and the musical production, “The Little Mermaid”. I was awarded the Lake Highlands band’s “outstanding junior” award. This year (2024 - 2025) I am the percussion captain, pianist/percussionist for the wind ensemble, percussionist for the top Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra, second chair All-Region Wind Ensemble, and I made All-Area. I also play drum-set for the show choir, musical theatre, jazz band, and local rock band, Grits.