For as long as I can remember, music was always a part of my life. I began playing the piano and the violin at a young age, always eager to be learning new pieces. I had taken orchestra all throughout high school, but I never thought I would have continued with it going into college, and be where I am today. I just thought to myself, “Why not?”

I began my freshman year at college with a new perspective on music, and a new outlook on discovering new interests. Music Camp was where I had first met many of my college friends, and where I first found a sense of belonging, and family. It was at that moment, that I knew I would love it here at Marist. It just felt so much more relaxing. No one judged anyone else’s ability to play, and we were all seen as the same; a member of the Marist Orchestra. I think being a part of this group has really changed me in many ways. I am more outgoing, and I am not that shy kid anymore who would never speak up. Although I am not particularly as musically inclined as one might be, I still really enjoy playing the violin, and I was able to continue improving throughout the couple of years I have been here at Marist. Back in high school, I always felt a sense of pressure, as if I wasn’t really good enough. Due to scheduling conflicts, my senior year of high school consisted of no orchestra at all. I thought that would have been the last of it. I thought I would never even touch my violin ever again. Luckily, that wasn’t the case. Playing in the Marist Orchestra has given me a new sense of appreciation for music.

My experiences with the music program here are truly worth more than I could have ever thought. Each year, we spend many days rehearsing for various concerts. We’ll be performing holiday songs during Christmas time, love songs for Valentine’s Day, and so much more. We take the time to plan many of these events, and the hard work through each and every one of us shows, shining through each and every piece that we play. So far, everything that we, as an ensemble, have accomplished, has been magnificent. I am proud to call myself a musician-of course not to the liking of Mozart or Beethoven, however, I can say that I am able to really feel the music, and play from my heart. I hope in the future, I will be able to continue playing music, and perhaps even incorporate aspects of it within my career. I can’t wait to finish off the rest of my college career playing in the Marist Orchestra.

I can’t say for certain what opportunities I will encounter later in life, but I do know one thing; music will always be a part of me, no matter where I go.