I am so impressed by my students essays for their "Levels." Here is an example from this week:
...By Tulip
Music has been in my life for as long as I can remember. Even when I was a baby, my mom played Enya and James Taylor for me. I can’t imagine living without it. Music has helped me to make friends, get good grades, and even have a better perspective toward school. All of these positive things come from music.
Being in the band and playing music has helped me to make great friends. Asking if I can borrow a reed, deciding which fingering I missed to play E flat, and conversing about an interesting song are reasons to reach out and talk to fellow band members. I did not know many of the people in my section before band, but now many have become my close friends. Being in band has created something in common with a large group of people and me. For example, we share the same goal. We all aim to make a beautiful concert and please the conductor, so making friends in band is easier than making friends outside of a musical atmosphere.
The schedule and structure of band has helped me to make good study habits and grades. Whenever I play my clarinet before a test or quiz, I feel much more focused. There is something about playing an instrument that makes me feel organized and concentrated. In addition, listening to music helps me to do my homework and study. For example, an upbeat song helps me do math, and a slow classical piece helps me write and do ILA homework. I need something exciting to keep me occupied when doing math, and something slow and patient when working on a writing piece. Also, it is scientifically proven that students who are in the band perform better in school than those who do not, which explains why it helps me to succeed.
Playing music has also given me have a better perspective toward school. Band has taught me to be a hard worker. To go up levels and get a good score on Smart Music takes a lot of hard work and determination. Sometimes it takes a while to get a satisfying score on Smart Music, but I will keep on working at it so I can get that perfect score. The same thing applies with other classes. For example, if I want to do well on a math test, I shall need to be determined to study. Without band, I would not be as determined and hard-working as I am now.
Music has been a positive influence on my life. Without it, I would not have many of the great friends I have now, I would have less structured study habits, and maybe I would not have the determined attitude that I have now.