MuST:
What do you like best about playing music?

Amy:
I like for the most part that music is a very good and postive way for me to relax and be spirited.

MuST:
Can you tell us about singing with the Glide Youth Choir?

Amy:
I enjoy singing in the youth choir very much because it helped me quit smoking for my voice to be able to sound loud and clear, and every Sunday after church we have rehersal with the whole teeen choir and we practice until late noon, so when it's time to perform we will know what to do. It's also a great place to meet a lot of other youth that may come from different backgrounds and cultures that can teach me a lot in other different lifestyles out there.

MuST:
When did you start studying with Ms. Bradway and Achieving Through Music?

Amy:
I actually met Ms. Bradway through The Center For Young Womens Development around early July. Ever since that day Ms. Bradway came up to The Center and did a drum circle with all of the girls there, I was interested in participating in Ms. Bradway's program. She invited me to come to a drum circle the following day, so I attended the drum circle at New College, and since then I have been with Ms. Bradway and Achieving Through Music.

MuST:
Could you tell us about the three-day workshop you attended in Santa Cruz with Arthur Hull's Drum Circles?

Amy:
My three-day trip to the Santa Cruz workshop was actually a rewarding trip because when I first got to a whole different place I was not feeling too happy because a lot of things were different in that new environment I was in. But later on when I started to think about it and how much of a nice area it is, I started to think that it wasn't so bad to get away from my environment and try to be in a different environment and meeting new people.

I liked how it was so beautiful in Santa Cruz, because when I was eating breakfast I could see the nice morning sunrise and at dinner time I could see the nice sunset while having nice homemade food with no meat to clear my system a little. At first I didn't really like the fact I wouldn't be able to eat meat for three days, but then I came home and thought about it. I actually felt my system cleared up after having to not eat meat. I got to try some new styles of food and other cultures too, matter of fact. I got to try some Indian tea named Chai, and it was very delicious with honey or sugar in it. The cabin we stayed in was really like a summer camp but just more beautiful, that's all. The workshops were expressive, because we got to make noise and with different instruments to play with. There were actually little kids there. I mean, who wouldn't bring their kids to explore the difference in life when it's fun and creative. I enjoyed it a lot myself, and due to the fact that I didn't like it at first, but after trying it, it was a pleasure to experience something new and an adventure in life.

MuST:
Are you planning to lead drum circles in the next year or two?

Amy:
I would be so delighted to lead drum circles in the future if I ever work my way up to that level.

MuST:
Are any of your friends also studying music?

Amy:
No, not very many of my friends are into music lessons that much because of the busy lifestyle they all are having at this age.

MuST:
Who have been your favorite role models or mentors in music?

Amy:
I'll just say Ms. Bradway, [MuST teacher] Ron Lyles and [MuST Administrative Associate] Kimm have made an impact on my life towards looking at music in a whole different perspective and actually enjoying what I'm studying and doing.

MuST:
Who are some of your favorite musicians or groups?

Amy:
My favorite is a Filipino group named Kai.

MuST:
What do you plan to do after you graduate high school?

Amy:
I plan to go to Skyline College and study Accounting and Bookkeeping, then I want to continue on into studying music through Music In Schools Today. Also my dream was to go traveling around the world to different places, so hopefully I will save up and have nice getaways!