Being part of music activities sparks joy, fosters deep friendships, and creates lasting connections. It also installs discipline, teaching students perseverance, dedication, and the rewards of hard work through stressful adjudications.
Following an intense hour long rehearsal with percussion, the symphonic band students packed up, their lips sore and hands cramped from the effort. Yet despite the familiar strain, smiles lit up their faces the deep satisfaction of making music together lingering in the air. (Nancy Lopez-Andres)After attending their morning class, the symphonic band students were immediately rushed onto buses, leaving many of the larger instrument sections to fend for themselves. Together, they had to quickly come up with an organized way to load their instruments under the buses. (Nancy Lopez-Andres)Arriving at Pacific Lutheran University, Erik Curly was unaware of the lunch break happening just an hour later. Wanting to make sure his students were taken care of, he allowed them to eat lunch early. In a gesture of kindness and care for his students, he graciously brought a variety of chips, which were quickly up for grabs and enjoyed by all. (Nancy Lopez-Andres)While waiting at PLU, students gathered together, shivering as the icy wind whipped through them. They stood huddled in front of the beautiful red brick walls of PLU’s hall, taking in the view while bracing against the cold. (Nancy Lopez-Andres)The symphonic band burst into a chaotic frenzy as they entered the cramped instrument storage room. With barely any space to move students found themselves squeezing into corners and hopping around each other. (Nancy Lopez-Andres)
Nancy Lopez Andres is a freshman at Olympia High School and a member of the school’s Key Club. In her free time, she enjoys reading a variety of books and exploring new places with her friends.
