Thinking about the process and product of your Capstone, reflect upon what you are most proud of and what you might do differently if you were to complete a similar project in the future.
Looking back on the production of this capstone, I believe that the most rewarding and meaningful aspect has been the independent managing and preparation. While I do organize practice times and oversee scheduling regularly for my rock band, it has never been solely up to me to select a date, prepare a venue, and choose/order songs. Stepping into this complete role of independence scared me at first because, normally, I can check my decisions with the main leader of my band. During this capstone, however, I had to trust my own opinions and be confident in my choices. All alone, I was able to select a functioning song list and implement it as a full-scale performance. It was a proud moment for me to see all the hard work and preparation I put into these aspects pay off with our final performance.
If I were to complete another performance similar to this one, I would only change one thing: the time. I had scheduled the performance to happen at 3:30 after school in order to give myself and the rest of the band time to set up and prepare. Unfortunately, lots of our fellow peers showed up directly after school at 2:15 anticipating the performance. Because we needed time to set up, I had to ask them if they could come back at 3:30. However, none of those students ended up coming back to watch so the audience was quite small. If I was to repeat this performance, I would schedule the time closer to right after school so that more people would be able to make it.
Explain how your life experiences are reflected through your project.
My life is reflected in this project through numerous ways. In this performance, I played the drums alongside the rest of my rock band. This is a reflection of my favorite instrument and the one that I am most at peace playing. Ever since I was three years old, I always wanted to become a drummer. For Christmas, I even received a small, toy drum that I would constantly be messing with! Believing it was too difficult to achieve, I eventually gave up the dream. However, my hopes never truly faded away. Once I reached high school, my dreams were finally realized; and I was able to begin drumming on an actual drum set.
This project is also a reflection of my life experiences with my musical group Death Planet. We have been together much longer than just for this capstone, and most of us have known each other since 6th grade! When we first started playing together, we were a string quartet that performed at orchestra concerts. Over the years, there has been multiple versions of Death Planet, but for the most part our members have been fairly consistent. We have evolved from just focusing on orchestral string music to now performing rock music as well. This capstone is like a reflection of all the hard work and evolution the band has gone through.
Thinking about the Extra-curricular hours you completed, reflect upon what you learned through the experiences and/or how you have been impacted as an artist?
I have participated in many different musical activities through my time in high school and they have all impacted me greatly as an artist. I have traveled with the QCHS orchestra to multiple ABODA festivals across the state and won many “Superior” and “Excellent” rankings. In addition, my string quartet has attended Solo and Ensemble performances and received “Superior” and “Excellent” rankings as well. I have traveled with the entire orchestra to New York City and performed in front of tourists and attended a musical clinic. Around Christmas, we traveled to different assisted living homes and hospitals in order to share our music with the residents. All these experiences have allowed me to share my musical talents with others who may or may not be involved with much music.
Being able to participate with so many different experiences with my string quartet and rock band has really impacted me as an artist. Working with others to improve our playing skills as a team has allowed me to become a better communicator and a more cooperative person in general. I enjoy working together with others and collaborating to make collective songs and unique sounds. In my experiences with music, I discovered that solo performances lack the same magical effect that group performances create. Being able to combine different instruments and play styles together into one massive sound is something that is only ever achieved through a group.
Music has been ingrained into my mind because it was the one consistent aspect of my life throughout high school. I know I will never give up playing and listening to music because it has become part of the person I am today.
How is your life positively impacted by the arts?
Ever since I was introduced to music in 6th grade by my sister, I have felt a deep connection to it. Most aspects of public school make it really difficult to progress at your own level, so learning never felt like something I had much control over. Music classes were different; they allowed me to learn and grow at whatever speed I was capable of. As soon as I held my first viola, I knew music was my passion. Music became my life because it never seemed like a chore or a waste of time. Because I focused so much of my attention on practicing, I was able to progress quickly and play more difficult pieces. I never really felt passionate about anything until I played the viola, and music provided me the perfect outlet to express that.
The arts have been the central focus of my life for the past four years, and I have met some great friends through it. I first met my very best friend in 7th grade when our orchestra teacher had asked me to mentor fellow violists. Each day, I would alternate between teaching some of the violists and practicing with my string quartet. Most of the viola players had no interest in getting better and stopped coming to learn, however, one of them was extremely willing. In fact, he enjoyed playing with me so much, he began sitting in and listening when I practiced with my string quartet. Luckily for him, one of our violinists quit playing with us and a spot in the group was opened. He is still my best friend and a member of our string quartet and rock band to this day. Without music, I never would have met him and would be missing out on one of the most important people in my life. I also met the other two members of my rock band through music classes. We began playing together in the orchestra, but our friendship extends way beyond just practicing and performing together. All these people I am so close to would never be my friends if I had never been introduced to music.
Finally, music has impacted my life by allowing me an outlet to relax and have fun. Drumming may not seem like a very relaxing activity, however, I have found that it eases my stress. I am an extremely anxious person that struggles excessively with calming down and vanquishing worries. Typical calming activities like reading or video games do not regularly help me relax because I feel anxious when leaving the book unfinished or when I cannot defeat a level in one attempt. Drumming, however, is different. I never feel any pressure on me while playing, and all my anxieties seem to melt away. Drumming has helped me deal with my anxiety in a reasonable and beneficial way.
How do you plan to include artistic experiences in your future after high school?
Because music has been such a major part of my life, I cannot imagine moving forward without it. Although I do not plan on majoring in music, I do plan on continuing to pursue and learn more music while in college. I hope to take part in numerous small group organizations and even start some of my own. If I end up attending a college close to home, I expect to maintain my membership in Death Planet (the name of my string quartet and rock band). Our dream is to become more than just a high school band and perhaps even create our own songs.
Once I graduate from high school, I hope to continue to influence the musical community right here at Queen Creek High School. I wish to continue to play with the younger members of Death Planet both in orchestra and in guitar class. Perhaps I could even come into class sometimes and serve as a guest teacher. I do know for certain that I hope to continue impacting the musical side of this high school and the surrounding community even after I graduate.
What advice would you give incoming freshmen about studying the arts to help them make the most of their experiences while in high school?
The number one piece of advice I would give to students entering the arts would be to follow their heart. Sometimes once you choose an area to focus on, you feel trapped in that decision as if you would let others around you down if you changed direction. My advice would be to trust in your own feelings and to pursue the path you feel the most drawn to no matter what others around you say. For example, I dedicated so much time and effort into developing my skills on the viola and grooming our string quartet. However, one day our group felt the pull towards rock music and we pursued it. Now we maintain both of our groups and enjoy making music in both styles. I am lucky to have such a caring and supportive family who encouraged me to chase after my different passions. Even if you feel like nobody supports your decision, the only opinion that truly matters is your own and you should follow what makes you happy.
Another piece of advice I would give to incoming freshmen would be to actively get involved in the arts while in high school. Taking one of the arts courses is one thing, but getting involved is an entirely other concept. I encourage people to create their own small groups and pursue musical advancement outside of the classroom. Music and the other arts can change your life if you are willing to allow it. My advice is to not allow the arts to become another chore you are required to complete, but allow it to become something that motivates and inspires you.