Meet my Jazz band. This is a picture of us in New Orleans my junior year during spring break to play Jazz. I decided upon this picture because this band has had such a profound impact on how I frame my future.

My connection with music through the piano has been fostered ever since I could reach those shiny black and white collection of keys. Starting at the age of four, playing the classical music of Mozart and Bach was what my musical background was founded upon, with tangible medals and accomplishments as achievements. Every Sonata gold medal was rewarded with congratulations from my parents and my teacher. What was considered “great” piano playing was how closely one could interpret the sheet music of Rachmonioff or Beethoven. It