Biography

My musical journey began in August 2022, when I entered sixth grade at Brogden Middle School and picked up the trumpet for the first time. Just one month later, I added the ukulele to my growing list of instruments. What started as a new school activity quickly developed into a passion that would shape my life.

Following my sixth-grade year, I attended the Durham Public Schools Summer Band Camp and the UNC Greensboro Summer Music Camp. These experiences introduced me to new teachers, new musicians, and new opportunities, strengthening both my musicianship and my love for performing.

At the beginning of seventh grade, I expanded my musical abilities by learning the alto saxophone while continuing to develop as a trumpet player. That same year, I earned positions in both the All-County Band and the All-District Band on trumpet, marking my first major honors as a musician. Midway through seventh grade, I challenged myself even further by learning the clarinet, trombone, and violin.

The summer before eighth grade was another period of rapid growth. I learned the electric bass and attended the East Carolina University Summer Music Camp's Jazz Program, returned to the UNC Greensboro Summer Music Camp, and participated in my future high school's marching band camp. These experiences broadened my musical knowledge and introduced me to new styles, especially jazz.

During eighth grade, I became actively involved in my future high school's music program before officially becoming a student there. I performed trumpet with the marching band while also playing baritone saxophone in a jazz band that performed at a local jazz club during both the fall and spring semesters. Once again, I earned places in the All-County Band and All-District Band, demonstrating continued excellence on the trumpet while balancing performances on multiple instruments.

The following summer, I added guitar to my growing collection of instruments and returned to both the East Carolina University and UNC Greensboro summer music camps, as well as my high school's marching band camp. By this point, music had become an essential part of my everyday life.

As a freshman in high school, I became deeply involved in my school's music program. I performed trumpet in the marching band, symphonic band, jazz band, pit orchestra, and orchestra. Continuing my tradition of achievement, I once again earned membership in both the All-County Band and All-District Band. Throughout high school, I have remained committed to growing not only as a performer but also as a versatile musician capable of contributing to many different ensembles.

Looking ahead to my sophomore year, I will continue performing in marching band, symphonic band, jazz band, pit orchestra, and orchestra while also taking on a new challenge by playing the double bass in the orchestra. In addition, I proudly participated in my middle school's band program throughout all three years at Brogden Middle School, where my foundation as a musician was built.

From beginning on a single instrument in sixth grade to performing on trumpet, alto saxophone, baritone saxophone, clarinet, trombone, violin, electric bass, guitar, ukulele, and double bass, my musical journey has been defined by curiosity, dedication, and a desire to keep learning. Every new instrument, performance, ensemble, and summer camp has helped shape me into the musician I am today, and I look forward to continuing this journey for many years to come.