Blog Assignment #1

I believe everyone has one talent that they were destined to have, and that is just what they were meant to do and be known for; for me that talent is drumming. Ever since I was a toddler, sitting on the kitchen floor banging on pots with spoons, I have been infatuated with playing the drums, and that is just what I did growing up. I worked hard practicing and taking lessons all through my childhood years, and could hear myself improving as I played.
Participating in band through school was one of my favorite activities throughout my pre-college school years. When I was a senior in high school, I became the drumline section leader for marching band season. This was a huge accomplishment for me and I was proud to hold that title; however, marching band is only a third of the school year. So after marching band season, was the time for every band member to prepare themselves for the solo and ensemble contest. When time came to start preparing, I was set on a college level snare drum solo that my drum instructor had written for me personally.
The first time I looked at my solo music, my jaw fell to the ground. I barely knew how to play the first measure. My drum instructor had always pushed me to excel, and this time was biggest push yet. He set up lesson times with me everyday, even on the weekends. On top of those lessons I practiced at home, in class, even at work; whenever I had a moment of spare time. There were times I was so frustrated to the point of throwing my sticks to the ground, but my instructor kept encouraging me and pushing me to do my best.
When solo and ensemble contest day arrived I felt prepared, but so nervous I could barely grip my drumsticks. The next thing I knew, I was standing in front of a judge and an audience about to play my solo the last time. My heart was pounding and my hands were shaking. I began to play and with ever measure that passed was more and more excitement inside of me. I finished my entire solo making zero mistakes to my knowledge.
I walked out of the performance room, still trembling, and with my eyes full of tears. I knew I had played it at my very best. I had played it more than a thousand times while practicing for over two months, and that last time was the best I had ever played it before. Right at that moment I knew my hard work had paid off. When the results were posted I had received two points less than a perfect score, having a division one rating. That feeling of accomplishment is impossible to explain in words. This is the part of my life I will never be able to forget. That experience was me at my very best.