Cortes 1

Cortes, Bo

ERWC

Block: 6

15 November 2018

Prompt 5: Personal Statement

It was May of 2017; I was a sophomore at the time, about to be a junior. Tryouts for

leaders of the Marquez Marching Band had come to an end. The new leaders were finally going

to be announced. I felt my heart pounding, beating so strong. It was all I could focus on as I sat

on the classroom floor. I ignored all other announcements until the drumline was addressed. My

music teacher, Mr. Almader, had begun to say, “Now, for the drumline, I decided to choose

someone who understands the fundamentals needed to lead their section...” As a candidate, I

knew another fellow bandmate that had the capability to lead their section. Then my music

teacher began to the needed abilities of a Bassline section leader I felt my palms start sweat as I

got more anxious. The anxiety I felt then turned to doubt. There were questions I began to ask

myself in my head. It was then, I heard, “For Bassline, I'm choosing Bo, since she gets the gist of

the music and can teach those in that section.” The members of the marching band began to clap

and cheer. At that moment, little did I know of what it takes to be a leader.

Seeing that I had advanced to a higher role in Marching Band, I further began to see and

understand what it takes to be a leader and a fellow band member. With this, I was responsible

for more than my one music as I also learned to further work with others. This took commitment,

as well as passion to fulfill.

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Beginning the new band season as a section leader, I began to notice had more responsibilities

other than learning the new music given. I was tasked with teaching the new and past members

of the section. Being a part of the Marching Band since my freshman year, I was ready as a

junior to step up and aid by leading the section. The music I was given to teach was to be divided

in parts for each individual in the section. I was to learn each part, and also teach the individual

part to each person in order to make a complete song. I would practice independently as well as

with the section. Eventually, as a section there would be practices in order to come together and

play in tempo. I then realized that I was responsible for others as well as myself.

Furthermore, to succeed as a section, I was to work with each member amd their own

methods of learning. Every member was known to have different ways of learning. With this

came awareness that some members may have been struggling more than others. In order to play

in tempo as a section, I was to adjust to each of the member's way of learning. Some members

were not always patient or attended all practices. In order to be successful as a section. I

practiced with the section as a whole and individually. This brought me to further understanding

of my role in the Marching Band.

Based on my role, I not only learned about others from being a leader. I learned how

passionate I was for the music program in my school. When it comes to the musical program, I

am a very committed person. I prioritized the extra-curricular as a part of my studies. I learned

and expanded my knowledge of music as well as how I can help others who need help.

In conclusion, I learned from others as well as myself in the music program. After

becoming a leader for the small drumline section, I found there was more to just being in charge.

I learned how to work in a group, as well as with someone on an individual basis. I had to be
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more committed, passionate, and mature in order to be able to lead a group. Learning many

different ways of helping and working with others had benefit me in more ways than I thought.