The Magic of Music Anonymous

A dark, stuffy band closet: a bizarre habitat for rusted brass, violin scraps, and a small preteen girl. It was a forgotten cubbyhole to many, but to me, it was a living, breathing creature that accepted me and my violin and listened to my every note when no one else did. It was not ideal by any means, but just as Steve Jobs' legacy began in a garage, mine began in that dark corner when an orchestra class couldn't fit in my schedule.

From the moment my bow first brushed the strings of my violin, I was enchanted by the magical potential at my fingertips. The sharp notes dissolved my troubles at home and instead willed me to practice phrases over and over until I was drowning in content. Nonetheless, my high school orchestra was uncharted territory. My fingers felt clumsy and my violin unrefined next to those of other violinists with private lessons under their belts. However, this only tightened my grip around my instrument and made me rise to the challenge before me. It was from years of constant practice, recording, and challenge that I slowly but surely migrated from the back section to where I am today as first chair.

Developing my musical potential was one of my most valued accomplishments, but it dwarfed in comparison to...