My noodle

I have spent 17 years on this earth, going through good times and bad times.  Whether it be in sports, school, leadership, or even family, I have always come through a happier, better person in the end.  So when asked if there has ever been a “lifeline,” or someone who has helped me in a time of need, very little comes to mind.  Now of course, family and friends are always there for you regardless, but in terms of a teacher or mentor…things weren’t as clear.  Don’t get me wrong here because every one of my teachers has helped me in some way, but in a serious time of need is a different story.  I have always been a good student who is more independent, but in thinking back, there is someone who didn’t necessarily help me in a time of need, but rather changed my mind on a huge decision that has affected my life in a very positive way.  When I was in 9th grade at Columbia Junior High, I was in the Wind Ensemble band and hated it.  I played percussion and couldn’t stand the teacher, let alone the class.  I had been in band since the 5th grade, and each year, my interest seemed to decrease.  Now my mother, being a music teacher, insisted I be in some music program throughout my school career, but this year I had decided I had enough.  Even though I was the lead drummer in the junior high band I decided it would be my last year playing percussion.  I knew the basics and figured I could take it on my own.  I informed my band teacher and though he was disappointed he knew I was set on my decision…or so I thought.  A few weeks before the end of school, the high school band director, Mr. Sorenson, came into class to share info about the high school bands and choirs.  He said he needed a sophomore drummer in the jazz program, and my name came up.  I told him I was no longer interested in percussion, but I wasn’t really sure who I was dealing with.  Mr. Sorenson, a very large bald man, took me into a practice room and told me that I would play for the jazz band, that I would stick with it all through high school, and that was that.  I was very upset at the time, but had no choice.  Three years later I am still drumming in the award winning Fife High school jazz band, with best rhythm section awards under my belt, and two years in the lead position.  Not only that, but my skills and technique have evolved to points I could have never imagined.  I have a love for music, which is now a huge part of my life, and knowing I almost quit something I feel so passionate about is hard to comprehend.  If it weren’t for the forced entry into the jazz band, I don’t know where I would be or what I would be doing, but all I know if Karl Sorenson saved me from having an empty void in my life.