Two Sycamore School students, Rhea Battia and Georgia Bott, were named two of the five winners selected in the grade 4-8 category from entries from all over the United States in the Nationwide SBO (School Band and Orchestra) Magazine essay contest. The two were each presented checks for the $1,000 scholarship during a ceremony at Sycamore. In addition to the scholarships to the winners, Sycamore School will receive $2,000 in music products. This is only the second time in the history of the contest that there have been two winners from the same school.
Their essay had to begin: "A note to my parents, I love my school music program because..."
The essay contest has been in existence for 17 years and SBO Magazine and partners have awarded $340,000 in scholarship funds and matching school music merchandise.
Finalist Essays
Dear Parents,
I love my school music program because it introduced me to my best friend, music. She calms my mind, fills me with joy, and helps me relax. Whenever I want a friend, I pick up my saxophone. I love to practice at home because our dog sings along! When I play music, I am never alone. There is always the melody in my head. As soon as I play the first few notes, my mind is already keeping time. My lungs build up the oxygen to play as my toes start to tap. Our whole bodies work together to create a single beautiful sound! Band class is my favorite part of the day. There I can hear how my sound blends with everyone else's. It is fun to play alone, but it is the best when we all get to play together. Instruments are just like ingredients, making a perfect meal. The low and mellow notes from the low voices give a great base. The brassy notes of the trumpets add a little flavor. Sprinkle in the french horns to make the meal have a mild kick. The flutes are next, their light taste can be hard to find, but has a vital role. The clarinets are like a sauce, one of the final touches, but they make everything more pleasing. And lastly, the best of them all, if I do say so myself, are the saxophones. They are the umami, that makes us want more.
Georgia Bott
A note to my parents, I love my school music program because…….
Music is a way to express yourself
In more ways than you’d ever think
It helps with your pride of oneself
Once you’ve started you’ll never want to rethink!
Music increases your memory
You could memorize the whole telephone directory!
Music boosts your social skills
You might be able to get away without paying a dinner bill.
Music helps your concentration
So much, you could take over the nation.
Music teaches discipline of all sorts
You could be a lawyer at different courts.
Music reduces stage fright
I can’t promise about those horror movies you watch at night.
Music helps your math ability
It’ll make your counting have a bit more credibility!
Music represents the different periods
It lets you learn about the different times experienced.
Music is way of life
I know it’s a bit cliche but it’s right!
Last but not least music is very fun to play
It may even be your ticket to broadway!
So that's why I’m thankful and love that I’m in my school music program. I could go on and on, but by the time I would have finished you would be in Birmingham.
Rhea Bhatia