Personal Statement - Carol Li

I walked into the rehearsal room, expecting to be one of the first people to arrive. Instead, 40 kids looked at me like I was late,even though I was 30 minutes early. I was at the All State event, a rigorous 3 day experience every music student in Georgia dreamed of having. As I sat down and set up my stand, I surveyed all the other students. Many I recognized, from one event or the other. While the newer kids, like myself, looked excited and ready, the veterans simply appeared bored. We had no idea what was coming for us.

Several months prior, along with all the other kids, I was preparing for the audition. There were two rounds, and both required much practicing. I practiced more and worked harder to get in than for anything I had before. The competition was tough. For my instrument, violin, nearly a thousand kids must have tried out for the first round. However, there were only 80 spots between the two middle school orchestras. The previous year, I had made it to the second round, only to be turned down as a 6th grader. Now, I was more determined than ever and much more prepared. When the results came out a week later that I had gotten in, I cried tears of joy.

Rehearsal was unlike any orchestra class I had ever played in. It was like a leap over a river that had blocked my path. On Saturday, there was 7 hours of rehearsal. Never before had any of us played so much so well. During the 3 days, we played 5 pieces, which were to be performed on the last piece. That Friday was the first time we all rehearsed together, and I enjoyed the challenging environment.

Throughout my time preparing and being in All state, I realized that challenging yourself can be fun. It only brings positivity, and even if you fail. The hard work pays off no matter what happens, because you tried. Stepping outside my comfort zone and working gave me as many new opportunities as there are pitches on strings.