Reflection Questions

1. 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.

   • Throughout my project, I am most proud of the final section where all of the ideas throughout the piece are combined together, with Suttle changes and rhythmic layers to make it really interesting to listen to. If I were to do anything differently, I would change how the features transition into each other as well as add more melodic presence from the mallets during them.

2. Explain how your life experiences are reflected in your project.

   • My life experiences are reflected in this project by my own fear of change. The sudden tempo changes, instrumentation, and the loud ending all represent fast sweeping changes in my life. The ending, for example, is this really loud sixteenth note "outcry" where everyone lets out their emotions as it slowly dies down. This phrase is designed to represent the faithful leap I will take into College life, where I have no idea where it will take me.

3. 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?

   • Through the extra-curricular hours I completed, I was constantly being challenged, being forced to think on my feet, and improving my musical abilities. Along with that, I was also pushed to be a better leader and set an example to my fellow students.  The most important thing I learned, however, was that I learned to love music, and it has flipped my life upside down.

4. How is your life positively impacted by the arts?

   • My life is positively impacted by the arts in every way I can think of. In my day-to-day life, I find my love of music at rehearsals, in class, and even in mundane activities. Weather its performing, driving, or hearing a song in the background of a supermarket, I am constantly reminded of my passion for music and how much music means to me. Music has made me friends, it brings me closer to my family, and it has left me in tears of joy.

5. How do you plan to include artistic experiences in your future after high school?

   • I plan to include my artistic experiences in my future by completing ASU's music education program. Through my high school and college experiences, I will help motivate and push my future students to be the best musicians they can be while also inspiring them to love music. 

6. What advice would you give an incoming freshman about studying the arts to help them make the most of their experiences while in high school?

   • The best advice I can give to an incoming freshman studying the arts is to manage your time and remember why you love music. Some of the biggest struggles I faced in my music career were caused by my lack of time. Giving yourself room to breath will always make the workload seem less hectic and allow you to rekindle that love for music.