Music has always been a part of my life. I’ve been playing an instrument for almost nine years. I started taking private piano lessons when I was 8 years old and then I started playing the trumpet in 2014 when I moved to AISD. I took band as a course because I thought it would be a lot of fun. After 2 years I decided to stop piano but continue playing the trumpet. Over the years I’ve played in over 30 concerts. I grew to love performing in the band.

When 11th grade came around I couldn’t do the band anymore as I was in the Diploma Program and I needed to dedicate my time to IB. However, I was really sad. I felt bad every time I saw my instrument sitting at home as I had no reason to play it. So I decided to join Jazzband which was an after school activity provided by the school.

I came to the first practice and was greeted by trombone cases displayed all over the floor. I struggled to find my way through the maze of instruments and cases on the floor. I sat at my usual spot which was right next to my close friend who played the trombone. We joked around for a bit until it was time to start. We all got our music which was all Christmas themed. The songs we were going to play were “Feliz Navidad” and and “Baby it’s Cold Outside”. The music wasn’t that hard, and I had a lot of fun playing music

 

 

We played our two songs all over the school to promote our upcoming concert. We played it in the courtyard, and in the cafeteria. This was a lot of fun to play somewhere outside of the band hall or the theater. The crowd really enjoyed it too. They would sing along and cheer.

 

 

 

 

Eventually, it came time we played at our concert. Every year AISD hosts an Annual Winter Band Concert. We were the ending act. After the second the last act and the jazz band was got on stage with our Santa hats and we played our two songs. The audience really enjoyed it and sand along with us. We ended the concert with no issues and it was very successful.

Doing Jazzband made me realize how much I enjoy playing an instrument. It made me regret not taking band as a course and made me reconsider my decision to do so.

 

 

Learning Outcomes:

LO1: Strenght and Growth:
I want to strengthen my skills and trumpet players and develop a new skill set particularly for playing jazz music.

LO3: Collaborative Skills:
I have to work with my fellow trumpet players to play harmoniously and beautifully. Additionally, because I am a senior player, I have to help the other trumpet players who are not as experienced.

LO6: Commitment and Perseverance:
I have been playing the trumpet for over four years and I plan to continue playing it for the rest of high school.