February 18, 2012: Summer’s essay entitled “Why I Am Proud to Pledge Allegiance to Our Flag” won first place (Division II: 7-8 grade) in the Elks essay competition. Summer received her certificate on February 18, 2012 at the Elks Lodge and read her speech before members of the lodge and other student winners.
Summer also submitted an original piece of art to the Youth Art Month/Congressional Art Exhibit. Her work was accepted as part of the exhibit and her gorgeous drawing will be honored on Saturday morning, March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day) at the State Capitol Auditorium from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM.
Just Can’t Live Without It
Most schools nowadays don’t have music programs. I was lucky enough to go to a school with one! The ability of schools to have music education classes is going down with the economy! What people don’t realize is that music education is so important. It changed my life! It stirs the soul, and helps to comfort, relax, and liven people up. I love music, and I am so privileged to now be able to participate in the Hawaii Youth Symphony.
I first learned how to play the violin at my old school, Wilson Elementary School. I had a great teacher. When I learned how to play the violin, it made me feel so smart. I felt special and excited. I looked forward to all of my classes. After I graduated from elementary school, I was dismayed. I didn’t have a violin or a teacher. What would- or could I do? Finally, part of my problem was solved. My uncle gave me his violin to borrow. I practiced my old songs, and looked some up. Still, I couldn’t teach myself! My sixth grade teacher sent out an email about the Hawaii Youth Symphony. It was perfect. At last I had an orchestra that I could belong to, and I could finally excel in violin. Hawaii Youth Symphony was an answer to my prayers.
Learning to play music at Wilson Elementary School changed my life because now I have a cool talent I can share with other people. By sharing, other people can experience the same joy that I have when playing my instrument. Some of my relatives and teachers were able to come and listen to me play. It felt so good to be complimented after a school concert. I felt like I might burst with pride. Share your music, it changed my life, and it can change yours too.
Music helps students to relax, sometimes from a tiring day at school. When I feel angry, and then go play my violin, the music I play soothes me and helps me forget my anger. Being able to play an instrument gives me more things to enjoy about life. Whenever I go to my HYS classes, I come out happy, exhilarated, and proud of all the things I accomplished. Learning to play an instrument gives me a sense of accomplishment, and it makes me feel different and special because of my ability. Some kids that go to school feel like they are awful at everything, but when they learn how to play an instrument, they can feel like they are actually good at something. Music is a good therapy.
Music education is so important. We need to press our schools to carry on or start a music program for the students. Music helps so many people to move forward in life. It can help people to get scholarships. It can comfort people, and cause them to relax, and smile. Each student should be able to discover talents and learn how to play an instrument; it will change their lives. Music isn’t just a series of annoying noises. It’s therapy. We just can’t live without it!
Written by: Summer Corry
Congratulations to Summer Corry ’16, a String Ensemble violinist in Hawaii Youth Symphony who wrote an essay that won first place in the essay contest Music is Good Medicine. Summer’s essay was entered in Category III (for String Ensemble members). The essay is linked below.
Summer’s Essay – Sweet, Peaceful Melodies