Jacob Hyer submitted the following essay with his application for the June M. Hinckley Music Education Scholarship. Applicants were asked to respond to the prompts “Why do you wish to become a music
educator?” and “Why should music be available to all students?” Jacob’s essay appears here with minor editing and the addition of a headline.
The Music Classroom
A Place Where Students Can Build Self-Confidence and Feel Supported by Jacob Hyer
June M. Hinckley Music Education Scholarship Recipient
T
The spring before my freshman year, I nervously sat in
the Venice High School information night. Taking in my new and overwhelming surroundings, I felt both anxious and excited for the opportunities and unknowns that
stretched out before me. What would these next four years bring?
After a few speeches from different teachers, a group
of seniors came on stage and talked about their time at VHS. They encouraged us to get involved in extracurric-
I belonged on stage with them.
Now, as a senior, I think back to the night when, as
ular activities because that is where we would find our
a freshman, that unexpected performance hit me like a
remember years from now. Just when my mind started
I ask myself again—what will these next four years be
deepest friendships and experience much of what we will wandering off a little, someone announced that Le Voci de
Venezia was coming to the stage. I looked up, intrigued by
lightning bolt. As I enter the next phase of my education, like? I can’t predict the future, but I expect the passion I
have found for musical performance will only continue to
the Italian name and the group of students who walked
grow. Therefore, my plan is to major in music education
long, black dresses.
a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited
out. The guys were wearing tuxes and the girls all wore Even before they opened their mouths, I was in awe.
Along with art, I had always enjoyed singing, but we
didn’t have a performing arts program in middle school.
Is this what a real choir looked like? When their beautiful melody filled the concert hall, I could feel the revelation in my bones:
10 F l o r i d a
Music Director
with an emphasis of voice in college. Graduating with
college or university is my reason for college. My objective
is to share that passion, to use it to connect with others, and to make this world a more meaningful place.
In the chorus room, I felt such a welcoming presence,
one I still feel today as a four-year member of Le Voci
and the VHS chorus. I have learned so much musically
