What Being Rejected From All State Orchestra Taught Me

I am a violinist. I've been playing violin for 9 years, and it's an integral part of my life. In high school, people who take band, orchestra, or chorus are able to audition for Senior Districts, a three day music festival that joins the best musicians from each District. Many people audition, and less than half of the people get in. I auditioned, and miraculously made it in. This was a surprise to me because I didn't make it in the previous year; my freshman year. Not only did I make in into Senior District Orchestra, my score was so high that I qualified for an All Sate Audition. Now, All State makes getting accepted into Senior Districts look like a piece of cake. Baby, this is All States, the most elite musicians from the whole state, the best of the best. This is like the state championships for sports. I was so pumped that I was able to audition, and I did. Unfortunately, I did not make it in, and I expected this, for I most definitely am not an elite elite violinist. Obviously, one faces many failures and successes in life, and not making All States was pretty disappointing. But life is all about getting up when you fall, and getting cut taught me a few things:

1. I'm Not That Good

I know what you're thinking. "Wow, this person is negative about not making it." But this was the first thing that ran through my mind when I found out that I did not make it into All States. And the reason why I didn't make is was because I just wasn't good enough. There's always someone who can play more musically, more in tune, more in rhythm, and more... better. While some may see this as a negative thing to think about, I see this as motivation. There are people who play better than me, so I need to practice harder so I can play better and surpass them. Through increase in practice, I will work so much harder so that next year, I will make it in. 

2. There Are Always Ups and Downs
When I found out I made Senior Districts, I was beyond ecstatic. I was 20 points above the cutoff score, and I sat first violin eighth seat. The moment I discovered all of this, I was overjoyed. It was the best moment of my life. The hours of practicing finally payed off. When I received the All State Results, I was very disappointed. Despite all my practicing, and all the hours I spent listening to the audition piece on replay, I didn't make the cut. I scored 100 points, and the cut off score was 110. I was 10 points off, a whole 10 points. My happiness plummeted. From my great success to my great failure, I learned that there will always be ups and downs. 

3. I Love Violin
The past year, my violin and I were in a complicated relationship. Last year, I was very neglected my violin. I was lazy, and I didn't practice nearly as much as I should have. Also, last year I switched to a new private teacher who was very strict and demanding. Due to my lack of practicing, I did not meet her demands. She refused to teach me. That hit me hard. It was a difficult period of time. My violin teacher abandoned me, and my parents were furious, for they were spending hundreds of dollars paying for lessons, but I didn't practice and now my teacher refuses to teach me. After all that fiasco, I currently have a new private teacher whose teaching style is much more suitable for me. My current teacher helped me score high at districts. These events of the past year has really taught me that I love violin. I realized how dedicated I really was, and hitting rock bottom when my teacher left me really opened my eyes. I love violin, and I will practice as hard as I can for as long as I can to improve.


If you play in instrument in your high school band or orchestras, I highly recommend auditioning for the District Festivals. They're really fun, and hey, you might spot some attractive musicians ;)