About Me
At the age of 3, I started learning how to play the piano, and that's when I began to fall in love with music. I knew from a young age that I wanted to join band in school, but that opportunity wasn't available to me until sixth grade. As soon as I was introduced to the world of percussion, my life changed. Little did I know that percussion would become my biggest passion and something I'd want to continue to pursue for the rest of my life. When I moved here to McLean, VA in 2018, that's when I felt like I was a part of a real band. My experience in the Cooper Middle School Band sparked my passion for percussion and pushed me to dedicate time and effort to becoming a great player. I started practicing and studying under Doug Wallace, and eventually, I obtained my first achievement as a percussionist when I made the All-District Band in 2019. Unfortunately, my second year in the Cooper Band was cut short due to COVID-19. Throughout the course of the pandemic, I continued to dedicate time to music, whether it was taking the online percussion class, practicing piano, or even just listening to pieces for inspiration. Once in-person school started again in 2021, I started attending Langley High School, and I was thrilled to finally be apart of a real band again. I joined marching band and secured a spot on the bass line for a very brief Spring marching season. Over the Summer, I attended the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestra's Summer String Academy as a percussionist. While I was there, I had the opportunity to play with an orchestra and to participate in the percussion ensemble. A few weeks later, marching band practice began, and I returned as bass one on the Langley High School Drumline. During that school year, I started getting involved in more band-related extracurriculars. I was a member of the American Youth Philharmonic Concert/Symphonic Orchestra (AYCO/SO), I joined jazz band as a drummer, I made the All- District Band, and I received a superior rating on my entry for the Solo and Ensemble Festival. After a successful post-COVID year, I felt motivated and more confident in my skills and abilities as a percussionist. I channeled those emotions into my auditions and performances this year, and I've had great results. I became Senior Division Principal of the American Youth Philharmonic (AYP), and I made fifth chair in the All-State Symphonic Band. That Summer, I attended the Juilliard Summer Percussion Seminar, and the Boston University Tanglewood Institute's Summer Percussion Workshop. It's been a successful couple of years, and I believe my music career has gotten off to a great start. I'm very thrilled to announce that I will be attending the Eastman School of Music, and I know that there, my passion for percussion will only continue to grow. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunities that have been available to me over the years.
