Personal Narrative: High School Jazz

The first time I was ever daunted sitting at a drum kit, was at my first gig with my high school jazz ensemble during my freshman year. It was the night of the Presidents Circle Dinner, an event dedicated to the individuals who donated a substantial amount of money to my school. All the people I had to impress. Not only was I new to playing in front of a crowd but I was also new to playing jazz itself. During the performance of C Jam Blues, the band director pointed at me, hinting that I, the second string drummer, would be taking the next solo. The solo I played that night was the worst bit of drumming I have ever done. After that performance, i realized that the road ahead of me was going to be long and hard.

Over the past four years I