Following a Well-chosen Musical Path

Kaira Rouer

Editor’s note: When we heard that the winner of the Peninsula Music Festival’s annual scholarship was chosen by an essay that outlined her reasons for following a musical path, we asked Southern Door High School senior Kaira Rouer if we could run her winning essay.

My future seems to be so far away, yet right in front of me at the same time. As a high school senior, it is logical that I would begin thinking about “what I want to be when I grow up.” Unlike some seemingly confused individuals, I was fortunate through the years to find my path in life:  music. Since I started playing flute at a young age, I knew that my passion and sweat would go toward my career in music. I felt in every cell of my body when I picked up that crafted chunk of metal, cork and pads that I was meant to glide along the beautiful passages that resonated through my flute. As a result of my years of intense rehearsal, dedicated practice, and knee-shaking performances, I have chosen the path of music performance as my area of study at a post-secondary school.

As a high school student, I have been very active in my school’s music program, both instrumentally and vocally. I took part in opportunities to represent my school at various in- and out-of-state programs, succeeding at a high level. My passion has been predominantly focused toward flute, but as a rounded musician, I have enjoyed learning and growing vocally as well. I plan on continuing this chain of dedication and success at Lawrence University’s campus where I can take it to the next level musically and educationally.

While playing flute throughout high school, I achieved a great deal and have grown significantly. Part of this growing transpired out in the world:  beyond my high school band room. I had the opportunity to attend Interlochen Summer Arts Camp during the summer of 2012 where I played flute more in a day than I ever thought possible. I was able to apply the techniques I learned from world-class teachers and conductors to my home band. The rigorous curriculum I had the opportunity to endure has helped me immensely for my own personal playing, mentoring and even preparing for college. Interlochen also taught me the true meaning of commitment, and how to bring that commitment wherever I go, especially college and beyond.  

I have also achieved much in the Wisconsin School Music Association Solo and Ensemble Festival. Since seventh grade, I have been participating and performing class A repertoire and advancing to State. I have only once gotten a “2” on a solo, which was during freshman year. In fact, during junior year in my high school career, I received two Exemplary Soloist Awards, one for flute (which was memorized) and one for piccolo. This was ultimately what made me decide that I have what it takes to make it in the performing world.

As a rounded musician, I have taken part in Women’s and Concert Choir throughout my high school career. I achieved a lead role in the musical Les Miserables as Eponine. I was excited for this rare opportunity, but no matter how excited, I was just as petrified. I never thought of myself as an actor, so it was a surprise to find that others did. After hours, in fact, days and months of dedicated rehearsal, I could act, sing while acting, and ultimately manage a lot of stress. Equally important, I was able to keep my grades up while being a part of a fantastic musical.  

By the end of this adventure, my performing confidence skyrocketed and I felt I truly touched on my full musical potential. Since, I have strived to use this potential to reach and achieve goals I never would have been able to before. This confidence is still with me and I plan on bringing it to Lawrence University and everywhere beyond there.  

After many hours of preparing auditions, I have been successful over the years in being accepted into the Wisconsin School Music Association’s State Honors Orchestra, Band, and Treble Choir. I am one of few to make it in for three years in three different ensembles. This demonstrates how capable I am of going above and beyond to grow as a musician in all areas. With these experiences, I am confident I have much to contribute to the world of music. I am determined to strive to gain more experiences and learn from them, bringing the knowledge and skills I acquire wherever I go.

I believe I am a qualified recipient for this prestigious scholarship. My years of practice, studying and academic success places me at the top of the list. I will be graduating third in my class and as an aspiring professional musician. Also, I am sure of what my path will be and what this scholarship will help me achieve. I am not sure this is the career for me because I see on TV how “cool” or “epic” a career as a flutist would be, but because I have already spent eight years of my life diligently training. I have not only had successful performances, but also endured unsuccessful performances. These are more important in the end, due to the fact that these are the experiences that test a person. These moments were when I proved to myself and those around me that I was capable of picking myself up, trying again, learning from my mistakes, and blowing the audience away next time around. This has been the case for me throughout my life in every area. I didn’t get to be third in my class because I aced every single test, but because I learned from the ones that didn’t reach my standards.

Not only have I endured the test from the academic and music worlds, but also the “family tragedy” world. When I was young, my mother was disabled in a car accident. This caused me to have to step up to the plate and take on more responsibilities. I watched my sister, learned to cook, and clean the house, all before sixth grade. By the time I was a freshman, I had a job full-time during the summer and part-time during the school year to pay for a car, the insurance, and any extra spending cash all on my own.

When I look back, it amazes me to see how much I have accomplished over the years as well as dealing with this extra plate of responsibility. Everything I have stated here (my dedication to academics, music, family, and independence) gives me a unique qualification to this generous scholarship.