I first started playing music in fifth grade on my Selmer oboe. My primary instruments are oboe and English horn, but I also play piano, alto saxophone, and Baroque oboe.

The types of music I play are Broadway (musicals) and classical music. I like playing classical music because of the solos, and I really like the sounds from that era. I like playing musical scores because it's a type of music that I've listened to since I was about 2 years old. Also, I like playing music that I sing to.

I like playing music in general because I can express myself and my emotions through my music. Also, playing music is my way of getting away from life's problems. I would highly recommend playing music to other students, because not only is it fun, but you are able to use music as an outlet to channel your emotions.

I not only play with my school band, but also my school orchestra, as well as Bellevue Youth Symphony (the top division) and Eastside Symphony (a community group). I never really traveled with the band at my previous school, but I will be at my new school.

The biggest challenge for me with my music has been not being too hard on myself, as well as not taking what others say too personally. If you take things too personally, your playing starts to lose emotion.

The only major tips I can give for rehearsing or practicing is to give it your all, put emotion into it, practice the tough stuff the most, but also to practice something that you really enjoy as a reward to yourself. My approach to playing all instruments is the same: to put emotion into what I'm playing, and to play something I enjoy (if I'm able to choose what I'm playing).

I plan on being a professional musician when I get out of school, and I hope to play either in a Broadway pit orchestra, a small theater orchestra, or in a symphony orchestra.