Project 365: Day # 25 - Thursday, September 29, 2011 "I present to you the YTSO"

Just in case you don't know what YTSO stands for, it is the You Tube Symphony Orchestra. You're probably wondering "yYouTube has an orchestra?" but they do. The YTSO performs annually at a certain venue somewhere around the world and it happens live and can be viewed on You Tube. Their recent performance at the Opera house in Sydney, Australia was pure entertainment to music lovers all around the world. Billions of people tuned in for the live streaming on You Tube. I saw this as an international phenomenon. The orchestra consists of 101dexterous musicians from 33 different countries. These musicians who were in attendance were from few of the best symphonies in the world such as the New York Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic and so many others. The director of the YTSO is Michael T. Thomas. He was the lead conductor in 2011 in Sydney as well as at Carnegie Hall in New York City in 2009. I made a goal based on their performance and that is to be one of the 100 musicians to be a part of the YTSO.

Project 365: Day # 24 - Wednesday, September 28, 2011 "Ah! Muisc to my Ears"

I've seen great movies in my time but I think that one of the best movies that's based solely on music would have to be Disney's "Fantasia 2000". I fell in love with this movie the second I saw it. I was about seven years old when I saw it for the very first time and I was really surprised at how this wasn't your average movie with animated dialogue. But this was something far greater than that. This movie also inspired me to do what I'm currently doing now. It filled me with great felicity and zeal for performing. Ever since I saw the movie I've always wanted to play with an orchestra. I found it very exciting and enjoyable. I just happened to watch some of it after I got home because it was one of my favorite movies of all time and I haven't seen it in months. But every time I watch it I feel inspired and motivated to continue what I do best with my music. I find it incredible how they were able to match the animation to the music. I think that's what music is pretty much all about; being able to imagine and dream of the most abnormal and strange and turn it into a masterpiece. My three favorite selections from the movie were Beethoven's 5th Symphony in C minor, Rhapsody in Blue, and Firebird. These popular pieces of music allow me to really paint a picture of my life because there were a myriad of times where my experiences became relevant to them.

Project 365: Day # 23 -Tuesday, September 27, 2011 "Then and Now"

                                                             This was then in 2009
                                                           .

                                                                This is now in 2011

Today was truly a day that I realized that I went through a transformation based on my art work. I was going through some old papers and I happen to stumble through some old artwork that I've worked on in the past two years. It was my graffiti art. I remember starting in the summer of 2009. I was inspired to do it based on how well my uncle's sketch book was filled with flamboyant graffiti styles which filled up every single page. I had other inspirations towards drawing graffiti such as listening to old school hip hop. I consider this genre of music to be so much better than the music we listen to today; where there's not a single explicit word in the lyrics of a lot of old school hip hop songs, and where it was more enjoyable compared to today. But I use that as my drive and to motivate me to get better and better at drawing it each time and to start coming up with my own styles. I just happened to see my very first mural I've ever drawn. I was amazed at how far I've came in this point in my artistic career. I remember watching YouTube videos on how these people do this. I was amazed but doubtful at the same time. I knew that what they're doing took years to master. But I thought wrong. Apparently, the progress that they went through took them years to master. But doing what I do only took me two to really master three styles of graffiti. I was then able to put the teachings into creating one of my best murals ever. Someday I hope to get into the Guinness Book of World Records for creating the biggest and possibly longest mural in the world.

Project 365: Day # 22 - Monday, September 26, 2011

Today, September 26, 2011 marks yet another great accomplishment with soccer. I was able to beat my record of how long I can juggle a soccer ball. My previous time was one minute and 34 seconds. But today, I was able to increase my time to two minutes and five seconds.Even though it wasn't as much as I expected it to be, I think that it was pretty good a start. I blocked out the thought of this being a daunting task and replacing that thought with "if it can be done by anyone, then I can do it." I keep this thought in mind and I apply it to more than just sports but to my academics as well. I was extremely doubtful that I wouldn't be able to juggle the ball just as good as professionals, but I've seemed to have made a breakthrough. It takes a lot of focus and balance. Therefore I am going to continue practicing and hopefully I'll be doing it for a longer duration at a fast pace. I also relate this to school. I make sure that before I go on to the next subject, I look over it constantly and to keep practicing it until I've mastered it completely.

Project 365: Day # 21 - Sunday, September 25, 2011

Can I really "Bend it like Beckham"? Well I found out that I finally could on a cloudy Sunday afternoon. I had absolutely nothing to do that day. All of my homework assignments were completed on Friday and Saturday and I pretty much bored. I decided to walk up to the school, and kick the soccer ball around. I had one goal to reach and that was being able to bend the ball at least three times in a row and to score. I was really relieved that the football field was completely deserted with no one on the field with the exception of local residents running and jogging around the track. I saw this as a great opportunity only because I didn't want to use to soccer goals where the girls soccer team usually practices since I was afraid of the ball being kicked deep into the bushes and trees. I also saw this as a good experiment while I worked on bending my shots. I first found a good spot to kick the ball. I used a corner of the orange goal box and decided to kick it and try to make it go through that small rectangular shape of a space between the bottom and the top of the field goal and make it curve into the goal. It was either that of kicking a field goal and eventually curve and score a goal. It took me at least 15 attempts to get it right and I ended it up bending it over the field goal and around into the goal. I was pretty shocked only because I had no idea as to how I was able to do it exactly. I just kicked the ball with no intentions of actually getting it right. I then tried it couple more times but from a further distance. I was able to do better further away about maybe 3ft from mid field. I'm definitely going to keep practicing this technique for that it's one of the most daunting tricks when scoring in soccer.

Project 365: Day # 20 - Saturday, September 24, 2011

Guess what! That's right, more college mail! I feel more and more accomplished and ready every time I receive mail from a college I'm interested in. As in their main purpose which is to somehow convince current high school students to attend their schools based solely on their academic achievements as well as the myriad of great programs that are being offered there. I received more mail from Columbia University, Yale, York College, NYU, and New York Institute of Technology. Once again I'm really glad to be receiving these letters only because it gives me a good chance to narrow down the schools that I want to apply to. When I engage myself in this process, I narrow it down based on the majors and other academic programs that appeal to me based on the working field that I plan to go in. I plan to go into the Architectural Engineering field as well as maintaining my passion for being a musician.

Project 365: Day # 19 - Friday, September 23, 2011

I'm almost there! Today after school, I met with Mrs. Harris to work on these audition pieces for the Baltimore County Honors Orchestra. So far I was able to play through the whole song from the second excerpt from Bach's violin concerto. I was so happy and filled with greatest amount of excitement now that I was able to play it through with no problem. I played through it slowly first and then I worked on increasing the tempo. I was timid and less confident in the 32nd notes that were present in the last half of the piece but now Mrs. Harris and I were able to come up with a good strategy when dealing with these kinds of rhythm patterns especially when the appear in a sequence of scales. We came up with an idea as far as the different bow direction for each portion. I worked with her slowly on this and I've been practicing ever since. And now I'm starting to increase the speed just a little bit each time I'm able to play it flawlessly. Either way I'm definitely going to be ready for the auditions on October 15, 2011.

Project 365: Day # 18 - Thursday, September 22, 2011

Induction Night! I can't believe that this is and will be my last AVID induction as a student here at New Town High School. I was actually really excited about tonight because of how the theme was going to portray the ceremony. This theme was sort of related to the Harry Potter theme such as the style of lettering on the banner but the most important factor was how all of the new AVID 9th, 10th, and 11th grade scholars were going to be inducted. All of these scholars were in sorted into four different houses just like you would see it in Harry Potter. The current AVID 10 and 11 scholars were also sorted into the four different houses. The four houses were House of Atlas, House of Themis, House of Prometheus and House of Hyperion. I really liked how all of the teachers had robes on. It made me feel as if I was at a college graduation and all of them looked liked guess speakers who would usually give pep talks to the graduating seniors who will soon enter the adult world (literally). I was amazed and proud of the AVID program for being able to acquire a total of 170 AVID scholars this year. This shows how serious the teachers are as well as how serious the parents are about their child's education. I envision this induction to be a good chance to really rejuvenate and to be fully motivated to do everything and anything to succeed. But thing  that I will miss the most will be the AVID Mantra that we recite as well as the parents with Dona verbatim. I just get chills running down my spine just by listening to about over 300 people saying these powerful words "I will Act Now!" and that my parents are with me every step of the way and will support me in any and every way they can possible. I thank Dona, Mr. Carney, and the rest of the AVID site team for making this Induction a very memorable one.

Project 365: Day # 17 - Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Today, Wednesday, September 21, 2011, my AVID 12 class had only one goal that they were focusing on and that was to make sure that the final preparations for the annual AVID Induction were completed and ready to go for Thursday night. I was placed in the House of Hyperion which according to our theme is the house of creativity and imagination. I found it kind of obvious that I would be put in this house based on my creative personality. But this was the day when it was definitely needed. We were continuing to construct our special tri folds that represented our house and what it stood for in regards to the AVID quest for success. My fellow scholars who were in my house worked diligently to get it finished. And even though the House of Prometheus were able to use Mr. Hammer for help (which I thought was very clever), it didn't stop the House of Hyperion from making theirs one of the best looking tri folds ever. I assumed correctly that this project would take us after fourth period began. But it was truly worth it. We were productive the entire time so I thank and congratulate my house for a great job. The effort we put into this definitely showed the night of the induction. 

Project 365: Day # 16 - Tuesday, September 20, 2011

When I said that this year I'm really going to "hit the ground running" I wasn't kidding. I'm extremely focused on this year considering the fact that this is also my last year of high school and I'm going to make the best out of it. I definitely meant this in terms of organization and making the deadlines that are announced. I think that he organization part is the most crucial because, if you're well organized and stocked up on supplies and have everything thing in order as far as assignments there's no way on earth that you'll get lost and have to make things up. However if you're not as keen and diligent, then the outcome will be the exact opposite. I've done something new or added something new to my agenda book and that's underscoring important assignments and dates by using a highlighter. I think this will make life as senior so much easier than just recording it in a planner where I'm doing the same thing like I've been doing for the past tree years which is a mundane process. But now I feel better than organized, but now I can keep up with important dates that are school and non-school related as well as making good smart goals and making additional checklists to ensure that my last year is inundated with as much diligence and productivity as possible.

Project 365: Day # 15 - Monday, September 19, 2011

I'm almost there! Yes I feel so accomplished! I pretty much have the first audition piece down packed for the Baltimore County Honors Orchestra. I consider this to be one of most arduous pieces I've ever played. But the notes were never the problem. It was mainly the rhythm of which the song was written in. I like the piece. I think it relates to me in some way shape or form musically. It's the second excerpt from a concerto by J.S. Bach, one of my favorite composers of all time.I also like this piece because of the challenge.This also expands my mind and forces me to encroach beyond my ability when it comes to reading music. Therefore instead of limiting myself to a certain style of  music, I'm showing my versatility by reading things I've never played before but probably have heard before on the radio. The myriad of 16th and 32nd notes and slurs makes the piece look impossible. That was actually my initial reaction when I bean playing this and it sounded terrible. But I put that kind of energy all behind me and focused more on how I'm going to use certain strategies to overcome the difficulty rather than worrying about how it sounds initially. I've broken the song into sections that way I know what parts I need to spend more time on. But overall, the piece is sounding much better than before.

Project 365: Day # 14 - Sunday, September 18, 2011

Who's ready to go to college!? I know I am! Today, September 18, 2011, I was completely inundated with college letters offering me some of the most amazing programs and majors that any college could offer me. I was filled with zeal and so much excitement that I couldn't wait to respond to these letters. I was impressed at what these schools had to offer in terms of majors, minors, and other great academic programs. This was truly one of the steps in my college process; finding schools that I was interested in and awaiting responses from them via mail or email. I really took this opportunity to go over every letter that was sent to me and really look at what programs they had as well as going on the college board website to seek out their requirements. I received mail from the following schools: Columbia University, New York University, Poly-Tech of New York University, Fordham University, Union College, Oswego State University of New York, Rowan University, York College of Pennsylvania and Yale. I was also very happy to receive these letters because it shows that these schools are very serious in which students are suited to attend them based solely on skill, talent, and academic achievements. But at the same time I've considered two safety schools besides CCBC which are University of Maryland College Park and Morgan State University.

Project 365: Day # 13 - Saturday, September 17, 2011

Today, September 17, 2011 was considered to be my Aunt's happiest day of her life. Today was the day she got married. And of course whenever there's a wedding being held there's a crucial need for any source of entertainment. I was that person for the job. My Aunt Angie couldn't get enough of me playing the violin for numerous occasions so she asked me to play during the wedding. I was honored to play on such an occasion where family and her coterie friends gathered to truly celebrate the Union of my aunt and her husband. The wedding was held at a small but very nice church in Annapolis, Maryland where I performed during the seating of the parents and other family members of both the bride and groom. I feel like this was one of those days where every time I perform, each performance gets better and better as far as my playing. The acoustics were amazing. The inside of the church was very commodious to a point where the sound expanded through out the church, flourishing through the ears of the many people who attended. Everyone congratulated me after the wedding was over. I've received a myriad of great comments like "Thank you for sharing that with us" and "you were Amazing! Keep up the good work!"just to name a few. But I was told many times that there are little to none young African Americans my age taking part in playing the violin. So as a result, I'm never going to stop playing based on what other people might think or say about me, because I know that I acquire an amazing gift that only can be truly experienced once in a lifetime; which is why I'm taking advantage of it now while I still can.

Project 365: Day # 12 - Friday, September 16, 2011

Today after school, I officially kicked my 100th goal while practicing on Friday, September 16, 2011. It was a great experience for me because I've been working hard on ball control and being able to keep my toe down when I'm making an attempt to score a goal. This was an accomplishment that I consider to be meritorious and very rewarding. The fact that I kicked a total of 100 goals in a row was very amazing to me. I spend most of my free time watching the Fox Soccer Channel featuring some of the world's best club teams like Manchester United, Barcelona F.C., and Chelsea just to name a few. The players on these teams truly inspire me to do the impossible when it comes to soccer. Having the agility and a keen sense of cerebral tactics is what it takes to be one of the best. So far the number one player who inspired me the most to do what I'm currently doing now is Barcelona forward and Argentina native Lionel Messi. His dexterous footwork and positive energy really captures the hearts and minds of many soccer fans around the world. And one of my all time goals is to be able to perform just like him if not better. I have the potential and the determination to really go far with this. Despite the fact that New Town High School still doesn't have a boys soccer team, it never stopped me from coming on to the pitch (field) to practice kicking the ball around. And if that's not too much to ask for then I don't know what is.

Project 365: Day # 11 - Thursday, September 15, 2011

Today September 15, 2011, my AVID 12 class engaged themselves in their first socratic seminar of the school year. For most people it was their very first one. There were a lot of positives about the discussion in terms of the book "The Hope in the Unseen". We were divided into three groups where each one was able to give their say about what has happened in the book and how it relates to AVID in general as well as what it means to be in the college process; like where do you stand on your journey and how can you go even further by being able to relate to this book. Now as far as my individual performance in this discussion, I give it a rating of 10/10 because I came prepared with diligent questions that not just scratch the surface of the topic we're on but these questions go far deep which is great for the group and even those in the outer circle to really dig deep and to think outside the box for the answer. This was also useful to develop great arguments.I contributed very well to the group. I was on topic when I spoke and it created points to which tied into other questions. Our level of teamwork was outstanding. Everyone spoke in turns and not one one person(s) was considered dominate of the entire inner circle. The best factor about my group in terms of performance, is that Tezerea noticed that some people were quiet and she along with a few other people brought them into the conversation by asking what their opinion was on the question that was asked or the answer that was given. Overall, everyone did a great job on the first socratic seminar. I think we should definitely keep doing this to keep a good argument as well as working on elocution and collaboration with others.  

Project 365: Day # 10 - Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Here's a video of me playing "The Roc Boys"  by Jay-Z. Be sure to check this other video of me playing John Legend's "Green Light".

 


Today I can finally say that I've really accomplished something. I perfected the song called "The Roc Boys" by Jay-Z on the violin. It took me a long period of time to be able to master this piece and to get it down packed. This was one of my favorite hip hop songs I've been playing on the violin. I know performing classical music was a great experience for me and it has. But I've developed a new style and a new talent; playing the violin to hip hop. I see this as a theme of classical vs. hip hop which makes it even more interesting and exciting especially when it's a diverse style where people can cavort and get down with the rhythm being played. I truly enjoy playing to hip hop music as well as R&B. I'm still going back and forth between playing classical and hip hop. I think that the great thing about playing with hip hop is that I get to improvise and add my own twist into it that way the entire time I'm playing wouldn't have a mundane style to it. It allows me to really have fun at what I do. These experiences expand my mind to a wide variety of music not just classical and hip hop, but jazz, reggae, and soul just to name a few. Many people that I've performed for really enjoy what I do and how I show my versatility by playing more than classical but other genres as well.

Project 365: Day # 9 - Tuesday, September 13, 2011

 I know most people find it annoying considering the fact that they played it almost all the time last year and the year before that after the announcements, but I find it amazing that we have somewhat of a school anthem. Best of luck to the class of 2012!!!

I can't believe it's here. The class of 2012 is finally here! Today, Tuesday, September 13, 2011 was our very first senior class meeting in the auditorium. I can say for myself that I truly felt like a senior. It felt really good and to realize the fact that we're literally moments away from walking across the stage and receiving our diplomas and the myriad of awards based solely on our meritorious efforts and attitude. My Economics class was the first class to arrive at the auditorium. But minutes later, the entire room was completely inundated with seniors from every corner. It was very chaotic and hectic. I felt as if I was in an incommodious environment where I seemed claustrophobic sitting next to the loud students with every row filled to capacity. We went over the main points of the meeting which regarded class dues and when the deadline is for that as well as other obligations that others need to take care of. I had a small feeling that the cost of the dues last year were going to increase from $250 to about $300. Luckily I was wrong. The cost is the same as last year which isn't too bad if you know what it includes such as one free senior prom ticket, a free yearbook, etc. But now that our class advisers did their job by accentuating the importance of our deadlines, it's now our job as responsible seniors to take advantage of all the time that's available to take care of everything in order to ensure that the class of 2012 will be the best graduating class at New Town High School like Mrs. Suber mentioned. I certainly can not wait until June 7, 2012 and I know you can't either!

Project 365: Day # 8 - Monday, September 12, 2011

Today was an amazing day. I just received the greatest news so far. I'm in my Symphonic Winds class and I found out that I've been asked to help compose a piece for the entire band to play for our annual Spring concert in May and hopefully our band assessment in March if we start earlier. I felt truly honored to perform such a task for the performing arts department at New Town High School. I take this great opportunity to put my dexterous mind and skills to work. I could visualize myself screaming and jumping up and down in a sense that this has been my higher calling; that this was one of many goals that I wanted to accomplish in the near future. I initially had a feeling that something prodigious and wonderful would come up. I'm glad to working on a major project such as this. This gives me a chance to really think outside the box because there are so many factors to take into consideration as to what style the piece should be written in, which instrument(s) will be the most dominate in the selection, and to what degree should the piece go in terms of notes and rhythm. And as much fun this will be working on this, this will be the most arduous as well. Which means I'll be needing extra help from Mrs. Harris, Mr. Evans and from the band. But I'm extremely confident that we'll make something amazing and unforgettable with the help of great minds and versatile talents of perseverance and true musicianship.

Project 365: Day # 7 - Sunday, September 11, 2011 - AVID Induction I.D.

There is a very special scholar that's all set and ready to graduate high school. He has a very dexterous mind and is a diligent student; always organized and eager to learn new things every day. His name is Khalil Eric-Gibran Campbell. Khalil is currently a senior at New Town High School. He's in AVID 12 where he's currently beginning the college process as far as completing and sending college applications as well as applying and receiving scholarships from many of the most prestigious Universities in the country. Khalil comes from a very high-spirited background. He lives with both of his parents and younger sister whom which they support him in every way they can in order for him to succeed in anything he does. Khalil is extremely talented. He shows off his versatility and originality when it comes to his music. It's pretty amazing how someone can play three or five musical instruments but Khalil has exceeded that limit by being able to add three more to that list. He plays a total of eight instruments three of which he knows very well; the piano, drums, and the violin. Khalil wants to attend Columbia University in New York City where he'll major in both Architectural Engineering and Music. He also plans to audition for the prestigious Juilliard School of Music as well as Manhattan School of Music to Study violin and conducting. Khalil's main goals consist of designing the world's next tallest building and performing with  or even conducting the famous New York Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall. Khalil is extremely kind and is very passionate about his academics and his talents. He hopes to inspire everyone he's came in contact with over the years musically and especially academically.

Project 365: Day # 6 - Saturday, September 10, 2011

Well looks like yet another great book has captivated me and now I just can't seem to put it down. That's right I'm talking about the book called "The hope in the Unseen".  This book is an excellent read so far. I can truly visualize the events that are happening in the story; almost like a dramatic movie is playing through my head where a diligent scholar from the troubled streets of Washington D.C. is filled with trepidation because almost the entire school censures him as well as other students for representing their school with so much academic pride; so much that they 're being shunned and hated for it. And all because the rest of the students couldn't do what they're doing. But with every movie, there's always a soundtrack. Well I decided to just compose another piece based on a novel. this will be my third composition that I've done with a novel. My first one was for "A long way Gone" about two years ago for a book project when I was in AVID 10. I had Dona record me playing my piece on the piano and it was a huge success. The second one I did was for a novel I read in AP English 11 called "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway. That composition went just as well as my first one. I video taped myself playing it on the piano on my mom's smart phone. Then I uploaded it to You Tube just so I could post it on wiki.  But I think this will be the best one. I eve think that it's beyond incredible that I'm able to take certain parts of a novel and compose a musical selection based solely on what happened. I' able to do this based on how I expand my mind; how I always open up to the possibilities and to think outside the box. Personally, I thank the authors of these books for including such diction, style, and purpose because with these factors I can truly picture the scene in my head. Then I can compose a part based on the type of emotion that's being presented. So hopefully by the time I finish this book, it'll include an original composition along with it.

Project 365: Day # 4 - Friday, September 9, 2011

Today Thursday, September 9, 2011 had me filled with so much zeal and excitement. I finally received my sheet music for auditioning for the Baltimore County Public School Honors Orchestra. I'm even more excited because the audition pieces that they want me to audition with are the same pieces that I played two years ago from when I first auditioned as a sophomore. Even though I didn't make it in back then, I have the most confidence that I'll get in this year. I'm also very aware that auditioning for the violin is extremely competitive; more competitive than any other stringed instrument. But if anything, the next difficult spot to audition for next to violin would be the cello. But other than that, I haven't nor will I ever be brought down by that kind of spirit because I know with confidence, patience, and determination, I know that I'll be a shoe-in. The audition pieces by Mozart seem like a daunting task because of it's myriad of sixteenth notes and its rapid tempo, but I know that with  more practicing before and after school, I'm sure to be one of the very few selected to be a part of a highly diverse group of musicians.

Project 365: Day # 3 - Thursday, September 8, 2011

Well look at this! I'm starting my senior year off right. I'm amazed how I have a 94.7% in Trigonometry so far. Even though I know that the majority of my excellent performances came solely from me returning my signed syllabus, it was also a combination of working diligently on my classwork and completing them in my allotted time. I see this as a motivator so that anytime I find myself struggling, I can look back at the time I received a solid "A" in Math and know that I can make anything happen. This is the mindset that I'll remain in all throughout the remainder of my senior year and into college. I've now gotten over my fear of checking edline everyday because of any classes that I have a "C" or lower in. I feel more confident in checking my grades daily. This definitely helps when I happen to find a small flaw in my teacher's grading. The fact that I have great progress shows just how confident I am in monitoring my grades. I definitely will do everything in my ability to strive further than my best; to encroach my ability of how I learn and to beat my own record of how many assignments I can get with the 90-100 score circled in bright red. I'm in competition not just with my peers but with myself. My goal is do try and out do myself. But I also want to keep in check with my peers because if anything they motivate me to do well just as much as I do my self. Even though I was very proud of Elizabeth for receiving a scholarship, this motivated me to try to match her the number of scholarships she receives but in a friendly competition.

Project 365: Day # 2 - Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Wow! Today, Wednesday, September 7, 2011 I was truly surprised at how much I learned at my first cello lesson of the month. I thought that it was amazing how I took a huge step from the beginning of my Suzuki lesson book to pieces by Mozart, Vivaldi, and Bach. I can say that I've encroached my limit of playing. This was possible just by practicing at least two hours a day. Not only was this a huge accomplishment for my music but this was a bigger accomplishment for me being able to manage my time so much better than before. I know that there are 24 hours in a day; six hours spent in school and the rest of the day would be spent studying for classes. But I knew what I wanted to do with the cello. I knew how far I wanted to go with it. So it forced me in a good way to find a way to take out at least two hours out of my schedule and practice for that time. I've gotten so much better at the cello ever since I played it in the fifth grade. However during that time, I hated the cello. I continued getting irritated because it was such a bigger instrument than what I expected. I sometimes thought it was bigger than me. I initially wanted to play the violin but there weren't any more left so I took the cello. I hated it so bad that when it got to our spring concert, I sounded horrible, I almost began to cry on stage because I was so angry. But now at age 17, I was eager to get back to playing again. After I've seen movies like "August Rush" and "The Soloist", I couldn't wait to get back to playing. I really wanted to play more than ever when I first heard a very famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma playing J.S. Bach's Cello Suite No.1. The music made me want to just start taking cello lessons and that's exactly what I did. I went on and pursued the goal. I was able to get lessons from a cellist who played with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) as well as the University of Maryland Philharmonic. Classical music has also been my huge motivation. It served as a guidance. But most importantly it was my way to escape the madness in reality. I never sleep without it. I remember my parents telling me how I fell in love with classical music. I was about one years old at the time and my parents purchased two tickets to see the Morgan State University Choir perform with BSO. But at the time it was recommended that no one under the age of six be allowed in but there was no one to watch me. So they had me in the back of the massive auditorium. When that first note was played from every section of the passionate group of musicians, it was a tantamount of beauty traveling through my ears. It was so amazing that I went right to sleep. It was like classical music was the antidote for everything when it came to a point where I was crying my heart heart out because I didn't want to go to sleep. So that's how I developed a keen sense of hearing when it came to performing music. Nowadays I would go to a concert and when I get ready to play, I never have my sheet music on my stand because I was able to memorize the pieces before the concert. I'm gad I went back to the cello. I'm playing pieces I've never played before and it's a great way to expand my mind even more among the most versatile composer in the world. And I know for a fact that some day in the next generation, I'll surely be recognized as one of the best composer in the world next to Beethoven and Bach.

Project 365: Day # 1 - Tuesday, September 6, 2011

 Here is Columbia University's Fight Song or Victory Song. Roar Lions Roar!!! GO LIONS!!



 "This is a Bronx bound 1 train. The next stop is 116th street - Columbia University" I could definitely hear that same raspy voice going through my head when I received this letter today from Columbia University on September 6, 2011. This letter wasn't an acceptance letter (not yet), but another brief discussion regarding the different programs that are being offered at the school. I received the letter from Columbia University's Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. I've taken into consideration the requirements I need to be enrolled there. I plan to have a double major in Architectural Engineering and Music. Columbia has always been my dream school. I've been saying "I always wanted to go there" ever since I was 10 years old when I saw Spider-Man 2 which had scenes that were filmed on campus. There have been other alternatives when it came down to my college search, but so far Columbia is ranked number one on my list. I was very impressed and filled with so much zeal based simply on the plethora of academic programs and majors. During my spring break vacation, I spent my 14 days visiting colleges and to see, and feel what it's like on campus. When I came to Columbia, I felt like I was a part of the student life; students studying and perusing large tomes featuring some of the world's greatest names in literature from Hawthorne to Emerson. I felt that I was a current student. I never knew that the majority of the Manhattan Project took place not far from the Low Library on campus. I can say that even though this was a letter for high school students who were interested in Columbia and the myriad of programs they offered, I visualized this letter as an acceptance letter to keep me motivated in my studies and to strive further than excellence; to show off my true versatility and academic talents. I believe that in my "quest for college" this will be one of many schools I'll be accepted to.