I am interested in applying for The John and Margaret O'Connell Memorial Scholarship for University of Massachusetts Amherst students who are residents of Norwood. I have decided to attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst because of the amazing musical opportunities they have to offer. I am extremely interested in participating in all of the ensembles at the University of Massachusetts Amherst such as the Minuteman Marching Band, the Wind Ensemble and the Orchestra. I plan to major in Music Education in the fall of 2016, and I intend to obtain a master’s degree in this field. My career goal is to become a music teacher at the grade school level. As a music teacher, I will strive to give aspiring young musicians the memorable experiences …show more content…
I knew early on in high school that I wanted to be in a position of grade school music director after college, and therefore I would like to major in Music Education. That interest only grew when I started to take a more active leadership role in the music program at my school. I became the section leader of the mellophone section of the marching band and knew that I was making a positive impact on all of the young members of the program. This drive to help the younger students only became stronger when I became the drum major the summer before my senior year. I attended the Drum Major Academy at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and learned skills to be a leader and an educator. As the marching band season pressed on, I was given more and more opportunities to teach the younger members of the ensemble, and that is when I knew that I couldn’t give up music or teaching. Now I am a volunteer staff member for the Coakley Middle School Honor Band. I assist the director of the program by running sectionals and helping individuals with their music. These experiences have given me the opportunity to teach young musicians lessons about friendship, leadership, cooperation, and musical skills. I would like to continue to commit myself to music