It has been eight years since I first started participating in the Homer Youth String Orchestra. I can still remember my first day standing in the West Homer Elementary School’s music room, terrified to be sharing a stand with a high school student. I remember leaving that day thinking that I was so glad it was over and I never wanted to go back again. However, I kept going back every week. I made friends and started to enjoy playing music with others.

If I had stopped going on my first day, I would have never found my love of music which would follow me throughout high school and potentially through college. I would have never found the courage to push myself out of my comfort zone, and explore new things. I would have never met such amazing mentors as Lisa Schallock, Daniel Perry, and Ben Wu who have all demonstrated great patience in my progression of playing, and instilled an appreciation of music. And most importantly I would have never met such influential peers who have enriched my relationship with music and inspired me to keep pursuing music.

It is safe to say that my life would have been so very different if I had never participated in Homer Youth String Orchestra. I am glad that I go to be a part of the sound that this wonderful group produces. I know that it will benefit me for years to come.