Life Goal! 
Today I had the privilege of judging my first WSMA Solo & Ensemble Festival. I can’t believe that 20 years ago, I was the student anxiously waiting to play, and now I get to help encourage young musicians. I feel so honored and grateful for all the experiences and education I have received that allows me to be able to do this.
I made sure to greet each student and group with a warm enthusiasm and make sure I had little conversations with them to help them relax. I still remember the absolute terror of playing in front of a judge (and even now as I audition the nerves still hang around!) I loved hearing the students play and I love being able to offer compliments and advice. I loved seeing them leave the room glowing, knowing that they did great. I loved seeing the glow of the parents when they got to hear great things about their kid.
I’ll take a moment to humble brag, but I think that one of the best qualities about me is that I bring the same enthusiasm and positivity to all music students, regardless of skill level. I genuinely love the sound of students making music, even if it’s nowhere near perfect. Each student deserves the same amount of respect and attention, and I hope I was able to deliver that to the 40 students I saw today. I got a lot of compliments on how I conducted myself with the students from the Moms that were my door monitors.
And because, for some reason people assign certain instruments to gender: you’re a girl, you play flute, you’re a boy, you play trombone; I LOVED being able to represent to the young women, playing low brass especially, that you can absolutely excell at a powerful and bold instrument- while wearing a dress and floral print. I loved being able to tell them to play loud and take up space, be heard because you’re amazing! I loved it more when we would work through a few measures and I could hear their confidence soar.
Huge thanks to all of my music educator friends, you are bringing such joy to all of your students. Your hard work and selfless labor can never be measured, but when the students smile, it’s all worth it (but also you deserve to be paid more). Thanks to all the parents that support their children, celebrate their success, and encourage them to keep trying. You have no clue how many times the students looked up at their parents for a reassuring smile. Thank you too for supporting them!
Again I am so honored to have been able to give back to an organization that was fundamentally crucial to forming my love of music. I hope to continue judging and giving valuable feedback for another 40+years!
