Molly B

Music and Me

12/15/2021

I started playing piano when I was about 7 or 8. I still remember going up to the piano in our house, playing random notes, and putting on a concert for my stuffed animals. In middle school, I decided to join the band and play the clarinet. When I started both of those instruments, I did so because they looked fun, and I enjoyed them, but they were really just a hobby.

Now music has become much more than a hobby. It’s a passion, an escape, and a way to challenge myself. It’s been a way for me to meet new people and find some of my best friends. It is something that has taught me some very valuable lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Joining band really helped me come out of my shell. As a drum major, I have to step up and be a leader for my peers. One of the biggest steps that I had to take was learning to be vulnerable, but with the help of the directors and other band members, I became much more comfortable and confident with public speaking and taking charge of a group. I also have been able to challenge myself through solo and ensemble contests, performing at BOA St Louis, as well as auditioning and making all-district band in high school, and the eighth-grade honor band.

Because I’ve done piano for so long, I’ve learned a lot along the way. One thing that has helped me most was performing for others. Being a little kid in elementary school, and playing all by yourself in front of a lot of people is definitely scary! But, as scary as it was, every time I performed, I got better. The more nervous I was, typically the better I performed.

I also experienced firsthand how real the phrase “practice makes perfect” really is. If you decide not to work for something, you truly will never achieve it. Some things will take years and years to achieve, and even seem impossible at times. If you practice, work, and try your best for it, you will achieve your goal.

For me, I had always wanted to participate in the Sonatina Festival at East Central College, which involved memorizing a sonatina and playing it in front of a judge. Each year my teacher would ask me to join. I got too scared and didn’t sign up. One year I finally did, and it was a true turning point in my piano career.

I spent hours and hours preparing for my performance, and I had perfected it the way I had wanted. The nerves I felt were just like years ago when I played at my first Christmas concert. Sure enough, I got a 1 rating, which was my goal. My past, as well as current teachers, were so happy for me. It finally felt like everything I had worked for the past few years really came true.

I think it’s safe to say that I’ve come a long way from playing concerts for my stuffed animals, and being in the band just because “it looked fun”. My life would not be the same if I hadn’t asked to take those first piano lessons when I was little, and when I decided to try the clarinet at band night in sixth grade. I had no idea what huge chapter that would open up for me, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

To the band directors: Thank you for everything you do for us! You all have a very big impact on our lives that you might not realize. We love you!

To my piano teachers: Thank you for teaching me to do what I love. I would not be where I am as a person and a musician without you.

Mom and Dad: Thanks for always driving me to practice and lessons, and for always supporting me and coming to all my events!

Living My Best Life

10/7/2021

They always say that life is short, but in reality, it’s the longest thing we will ever experience.

During the lockdown in March 2020, I realized how much of my life had been stripped away. Friends, school, everything. After that, I began reflecting on some of my favorite memories over the past few years.

In 2019 my family went out to Wyoming and Colorado for a family reunion. It was a remarkable experience. It was my first time being in that area of the country and it was spectacular. I’ve never seen anything more beautiful than the Tetons during sunset and never breathed air as fresh as in the Rockies. Experiencing all these spectacular things mother nature has to offer was amazing. For me, it put into perspective how beautiful our world is, and how small our little corner of the world is.

Some years before that, our family went white water rafting for the first time. To say I was scared about it is a COMPLETE understatement. I was extremely scared about falling out or getting hurt. The jitters were most definitely worth it. I have never experienced anything quite like it, but it was so much fun. The adrenaline, mixed in with seeing so much unique wildlife, and spectacular views of nature made it such a memorable experience. It gave my adventurous spirit some fuel, and I can’t wait to do it again.

In the midst of the lockdown, I was missing all of those experiences that led to some amazing memories. I made a promise to myself that once everything went back to normal, that I would enjoy every single moment in my life. Over the past few months, I’ve made some of the best memories. I don’t want to bore you with all of them, but one sticks out above all: my first band competition as drum major. WOW!

That day will go in the top 10 moments of my life. I clearly remember standing on the track for final awards, hearing our name called for first place overall, and watching our director run over to hug us and say, “We did it!" From there, I ran over to the band crying tears of happiness. I cherish that moment of being surrounded by everyone because, as our band director said, "We did it!" That was truly an unforgettable experience. I’m so glad that I was able to be present at that moment and take it all in.

I’ve experienced some of the best memory-making moments that I’ll remember for a long time. It’s so important to appreciate every moment that you’re given. Also, people should participate in any new opportunity that presents itself. Because you don’t know what those opportunities will give you. You don’t know when you’ll no longer have the chance to do all the things you love. However, one day you’ll have all the memories of what you’ve done to look back on, and those memories are priceless!

Ciao for now,
Molly B :)

We Need to Start Seeing People as People

3/1/2021

Seeing our nation's Capitol broken into on January 6, 2021, made me tear up a little bit. It was hard for me to see how hatred drove people to that extent. And now, as we are in the early stages of our country’s 46th presidency, our capitol looks like something out of a movie. US troops are spread out all over D.C. protecting the capitol due to violent threats.

When I see these things, I don’t see the America that the first leaders of our country had envisioned. I begin to question, “Do we really stand united?”

I’ve noticed, as I’m sure many other people have, that any time there is a critical issue in our nation, everyone takes a side. Obviously, that's how a two-party system works, but it does NOT mean that we have to hate others who have different views than us. I’ve seen politics tear apart families, break up friend groups, and divide our country. That’s not standing united, and that’s not how we should disagree.

As a country, we need to take off our political lens and start seeing people as people. We need to see beyond labels. We need to view each other not as conservatives, and not as liberals. Just people.

Are we all going to agree? Of course not, but we can disagree peacefully. These are not easy conversations to have, but we can acknowledge each other’s views and then we can put our differences aside. Some of my best friends and I disagree on things. We’ve argued over it before, but in the end we’re able to move on and still be best friends, whether or not we disagree.

If the past leaders of America, along with our founding fathers, could see us now, I think they would be disappointed. When they created a democracy, and elected the first president, of course they expected there to be disagreements amongst members of society, but certainly not like this.

At the moment, we definitely stand divided, rather than united, but with time, it is my sincere hope that will change. It takes effort, and everyone is going to have to do their part, but that’s part of life. We can once again stand united if we can just stop feeding the fires of division.

Ciao for now,
Molly B :)

We ARE in this Together!

1/22/2021

Most of us probably remember watching High School Musical, and seeing the students of East High dancing around and singing “We’re all in this together.” Clearly, that phrase has taken on a different meaning since COVID-19 has entered our lives. Even though we all are tired of hearing it, we really are in this together, and we need to be there to support each other.

There are roughly 7.954 billion people living on this planet. Every single one of those people is going through something. We may not see it, but they could be having a rough day, week, or even year. Because of this, we HAVE to be nice to each other. Sometimes a simple smile in the hall, or a small act of kindness can be the difference between having a horrible day, and having an OK day. Every one of us has the amazing ability to be kind, so we have to use that ability!

We also need to show the people that we love that we really do truly love and care for them.

Spending time with loved ones can be an instant mood booster for anyone. It’s an easy way to show them that you care about them. For me, something as simple as going out to lunch with my brothers, or going on a very spontaneous Target run with my friends, is a way to show love and support for each other, even though it's not saying so with words.

And then there’s you. Yes, you! You gotta support yourself as well. It can be hard sometimes, there's absolutely no doubt about that. But, nonetheless, it’s so important to be there for yourself. You are going through CRAZY times, and while you’ve probably hit some bumps in the road, you’re still trucking along, and that’s truly one of the best things you can do.

In closing; be nice to others, even little things can have the biggest impact. Spend time (safely, of course) with friends and family. Let them know that you care about them. And finally, love yo’ self! You are truly amazing, and you should take some time to really appreciate yourself :)

Ciao for now,
Molly B :)

Keeping it Together... 2020 Style

11/21/2020

If you’re like me, then you have probably experienced many hours this school year feeling frazzled, confused, and overwhelmed with all of your assignments. With all the craziness happening around us, it can be easy to lose focus during the day. It is difficult to stay motivated. I know that’s been the case for me! But with a few changes to your routine, and even breaking a few habits, this problem can easily be solved!

#1. Anytime you are doing your work, it’s important to steer clear of distractions! Working in an area like your kitchen or living room can be distracting if there are other people around the house, so try moving to a quieter area, or maybe even move outside if the weather is nice!

#2. Now, I know each and every one of us struggle with this one; Put. The. Phone. Down. It’s so easy to glance at an alert on your phone, and then the next thing you know you're scrolling through Instagram or TikTok. Try putting your phone far away from your workspace so that it’s not a distraction. If you enjoy listening to music, then turn on a playlist that you’ll be satisfied with, and then turn off any notifications so you aren’t tempted to look at every buzz, chirp, or tweet that you hear. It can be difficult at first, but it will help you out a lot!

#3. If you struggle with staying on top of due dates, or remembering assignments for the day, then grab a planner and write everything down! If you don’t have a planner, use an old notebook or journal and write a weekly to-do list and/or a list of due dates down. I’ve found that if you make it really cute, you’ll be tempted to look at it more! Make sure to keep your planner or notebook with you at school, and also at home when you’re working so you can always refer back to it when you need it.

#4. Finally, make sure that you take breaks when you are working. If you've been staring at a screen for over an hour, take a break! Play with a pet, take a quick walk, read a book, do anything that will clear your mind for a little while, and get you away from the screen. Try getting up and moving around for a little while, too. It will get you energized and help you tackle the rest of your work! Just remember to get back to your work once you’re done.

I know that the winds of change are really blowing right now, but don’t let them blow you away! Remember to stay focused and motivated. You got this!

Ciao for now,
Molly B :)

My Dear Bullet Journal

7/20/2020

I can recognize it anywhere. It has a pink cover and Disney stickers on the front. That would be my bullet journal.

A bullet journal. It sounds strange, doesn’t it? It sounded weird to me too when I first heard of it, but one Google search opened up a rabbit hole of ideas that soon led me to one of my new passions!

For those of you who do not know, a bullet journal is a regular journal, but instead of the pages being lined, they have dotted grids. For me, it is one of my favorite pastimes, but it is also a great way to unwind and relax.

I have always been a creative person. I grew up coloring on any paper I could find. Now, even in high school, I try to make all of my notes as pretty and artsy as possible. My bullet journal opened up a whole new door for all of my creative energy.

I use my bullet journal as a planner and a way to stay organized, but of course, this is far from a boring planner. Each month I have a theme. I’ve done a variety of monthly themes including everything from succulents to polaroid cameras, and even the Hawaiian license plate! I create weekly spreads that correspond with the monthly theme, and there I write down all of my assignments and/or upcoming events.

I have become a much more organized person thanks to my bullet journal because I can keep track of all of my work, and I can stay on track of important dates. I love being able to let my creative side shine, while also staying organized.

If you are wired like me, I recommend giving bullet journaling a try. You can always go on Pinterest or Google to search for bullet journal ideas. From there, you will have a treasure trove of wonderful ideas!

Ciao for now!
Molly Bauer