One of the questions I am asked most often is “What instrument do you play?”
The answer is I have played several instruments. I studied piano at a young age in the shadow of my older brother and sister. In 5th grade, I started playing alto sax in band and by 7th grade, I was playing tenor sax. When the band director made the announcement that he needed more low brass players, I volunteered to try my hand playing baritone and found that my piano experience really helped and allowed me to switch to the bass clef instruments. When I got to high school, I wanted to be in the jazz band but they did not need any more saxophone players and would not allow a euphonium or baritone in the trombone section, so I learned how to “play” trombone.
All through school, I was allowed to be involved with both band and choir and enjoyed being in the concert choir, swing choir and performing in several school musicals. Throughout junior high and high school, I was able to participate in honor choirs and honor bands as well as in Missouri All State Solo and Ensemble competitions. In my senior year, I had the most success at Solo and Ensemble by bringing home 1st divisions in five events, including vocal solo. In college I participated in the touring Chorale, Marching Band, and Symphonic Band and ended up getting a Bachelor of Music in voice.
The answer is I have played several instruments. I studied piano at a young age in the shadow of my older brother and sister. In 5th grade, I started playing alto sax in band and by 7th grade, I was playing tenor sax. When the band director made the announcement that he needed more low brass players, I volunteered to try my hand playing baritone and found that my piano experience really helped and allowed me to switch to the bass clef instruments. When I got to high school, I wanted to be in the jazz band but they did not need any more saxophone players and would not allow a euphonium or baritone in the trombone section, so I learned how to “play” trombone.
All through school, I was allowed to be involved with both band and choir and enjoyed being in the concert choir, swing choir and performing in several school musicals. Throughout junior high and high school, I was able to participate in honor choirs and honor bands as well as in Missouri All State Solo and Ensemble competitions. In my senior year, I had the most success at Solo and Ensemble by bringing home 1st divisions in five events, including vocal solo. In college I participated in the touring Chorale, Marching Band, and Symphonic Band and ended up getting a Bachelor of Music in voice.
