<p>@Clairee: Yeah, I have electives too… but they are chosen by the school every single day except Friday for the first trimester (we separate into 3 parts). In the second, we choose for 3 days, and in the last, we choose for one day (per week, I’m saying). </p>
<p>Same here–it’s just that, I feel like you are forced to play an instrument, but you are rebellious a little bit at the same time, you will never practice unless told to… 
I know exactly what you’re talking about, and you should practice more to make the CD or do competition. Don’t feel discouraged by your parents because you should show them that you aren’t that bad, and you really want to do the competitions (this sounds contrasting, but in the inside, most people don’t want to compete–like me! :P) so perhaps they’ll get on a good side, and they’ll support you more. Maybe? Depends on your parents. But just throwing ideas out there… :P</p>
<p>I do live in the US. I’m doing international competitions, and so perhaps you should search some up. I do warn you, though, they have insane application fees. Like, $150-$200 per competition. Plus, you might have to make a professional-quality CD/DVD, so add like… $200 to that. It’s a big expense. So motivate yourself with that! If you’re going to go for a competition, you have to devote yourself to it. Also, if you really actually manage to do so, that’ll be a GREAT learning experience, and you can write about it in your essays. :)</p>
<p>Okay… interview. I made a separate thread about that. After reading through everything, can you repost your questions, if you have the same ones? I’m trying to organize everything I know. I don’t think it’s working too well… >.< Well thanks! 
Or PM. Whichever you want.</p>