I stood up on the podium in front of the people that would judge my dignity, and may determine the trajectory of my future entirely. It wasn't thousands of people watching me, however, it was only a few select people-only a total of three people in the room. They were more petrifying than thousands of people watching me though, they were the people that galvanized my passion for music, my ambition to teach others, and my drive to want to be just like them. Mr. West-the current band director at my high school, Mr. T-the assistant band director, and Mrs. Crim-my English teacher. These people influenced me to try my very best, and failing in front of them would be utterly devastating for me. This year, everything was on the line for me. Going
