<p>Hello all, I was wondering if anyone could give me some help/edits on what I have so far on my Common Application Essay. I am willing to take any and all critiques and assistance, especially on how to close the essay. This is what I have so far:</p>
<p>I have been for the last 5 years, and I believe I will continue to be for the rest of my life, a musician. From the day that I picked up my beginners trumpet I had a feeling deep inside that this was going to be my lifelong hobby. In just my second year of playing, while in sixth grade, I was invited to join my towns high school marching band. This was an enormous change for me musically, as suddenly I was forced to obey very military-like commands and play while on the move, subdividing attention to every action that I was required to perform, including marking time, direction changes, and halts. For the first few years, the experience was magical. I made many friends, and the memories of marching band competitions and football games on the weekends will never cease to exist in my mind.
When I entered the 9th grade, I also entered a high school located roughly 30 miles away from my home towns school. I really thought that that would be the end; that there would be no possible way that I could balance being in a new school and all the work that comes with it and remaining loyal to the band program and friends I had made.
To this day, the choice I made still surprises me. I chose to stay in the band, keep my friends, and sacrifice not getting as involved in school as other students to compensate for my situation. I can say with absolute sureness that it has not been easy. Instead of being on time to every practice, because of the distance and the situation of my transportation to and from school, I had to be 10-15 minutes late, something that resulted in being scolded by the instructors. Practicing with the group two times a week, for 4 hours, also cut into my ability to get homework done, as some days my work would not be complete until the very early hours of the morning.
These problems caused great stress and uncertainty of whether I should press on and continue playing my instrument, since it was distracting my schoolwork too much. However I continued with it, and have morphed into the person I am today because of my dedication to the entire band program. All the troubles, the struggles, and the drama have been worth it. I am proud to say I have kept with something for 5 years now, stayed with an organization that I love and which I have helped develop into a lasting institution, not only as a member, but a leader. I believe that what I have done in helping others, both younger and my own age grow as musicians will have a lasting impact.</p>