Being selected as a member of the 2012 All-National Honor Band was an extremely rewarding experience. I could tell from the very first note we played at our first rehearsal that it was going to be unlike anything else in which I had participated. Performing with the highest caliber musicians from across the country was unforgettable. One of the best parts for me was performing in the Kennedy Center on the very same stage that some of the world's biggest musical icons have performed on as well. Hearing the final note of our concert echo throughout the Kennedy Center as I looked into the audience of the concert hall, surrounded by some of the most talented young musicians, is a moment I will never, ever forget. I feel so honored and blessed to have had this opportunity, and I left the experience not only with memories that will last a lifetime, but I left a much better musician, leader, and supporter of the arts in my community. I cannot wait to see where these experiences will take me, as well as other young musicians, in the future.

Being a part of NAfME's Mixed Choir was the highlight of my summer! It was truly a pleasure getting to know such kind and talented musicians from all over the United States. I can't say enough about Dr. Snow; she was an excellent director and so much fun with which to work. This experience has definitely helped me to grow musically and I am so thankful that I was able to be a part of this ensemble!

Music is one of the few activities that can bring together people from all over the nation without fear of competition. There is no other sport or activity in which young people can come together and collaborate on the national level to create a fantastic performance that is not only spectacular for the audience, but for the students participating as well. Being part of one such group was an amazing experience that I will cherish as one of the defining moments in my young career. Dr. Bukvich is a tremendous man whose compositions not only challenge you to play with musicality but to use your creativity and imagination to evoke emotions not felt in other art forms. He was a true inspiration to all of the performers that he came into contact with over that week. Overall, I consider the All-National Concert Band to be the most fitting way to end my chapter of high school before beginning a new chapter in college.

When I first found out I was going to be a part of the NAfME All-National Jazz Band, I was so excited, but it didn't really hit me that I was part of something that large, until I got to Baltimore. We landed Tuesday night and went to bed exhausted from travel. I woke up Wednesday morning and while I was brushing my teeth, I literally dropped my toothbrush into the sink. I just then realized, "I'm, in a national ensemble!!! I'm not just representing myself, but my school, my private instructor and band directors!!" I had a bit of a panic attack, but when we got to practice and started working, everything fell together. Mr. Terrall Stafford was fantastic to work with, and he really gave all of us a new way to look at music, especially jazz. The people were just amazing and kind. It truly did not matter which ensemble of which you were a part. I had long, and I do mean long, conversations with at least a member of every ensemble. We always found a way to connect to each other! Everything I learned will help me back at my home school. I really do see all genres of music in a different light now because of that experience!