Congratulations, Kalea Boyd for winning the Young Writer award at the 14th Annual Music Unites the World Festival. Her award-winning essay focused on how music has made a positive difference in her life at home, at school, and with friends. 

Kalea’s mother, Lindsey Boyd shared, “We have seen Kalea’s confidence greatly increase since she has started playing music…Music also allows her to connect to family who are also musically inclined.” Kalea wrote in her essay, “I like to teach my grandma how to play some notes. It has brought us closer together.” Music has the power to bring us closer to friends as well as family. Kalea revealed that music, “has helped me become closer to old friends, and helped me make new ones. I found one friend in particular who has helped me grow as a person, and helped me make even more friends.” Kalea’s mother believes that “music, specifically ensemble, is such a collaborative experience. Children should have the opportunity to create together, hold each other accountable, and feel what it is like to be a part of something bigger than themselves.”

 

How does music impact Kalea?

Lindsey: Music is everything to Kalea. It is her foundation, her creative outlet, her emotional processing tool, and her love. She is constantly listening, playing, or writing music. Music has also helped to build confidence and creates connections. She has fostered great friendships through the mutual love of music.
Kalea uses music as a tool for dealing with her emotions. When she is upset, sad, or anxious, music soothes her. When she is bored, music occupies her. When she is looking forward to something, she puts music on to set the mood. Music helps her process her feelings.

Kalea: Being in a music ensemble builds confidence. I believe that when I step foot on the stage to perform songs I feel anxious and excited at the same time, but if I do it a lot then I will be used to it and those nerves will go away. As I walk with my instrument in my hand, I feel accomplished and I feel like I have a purpose in the musical world.

 

Why do you feel studying music is important for all students?

Lindsey: Learning music has always been a priority in our parenting because of what it offers. The benefits of brain development for young children who learn to play instruments is incredible. All children would physiologically benefit from studying music. Learning an instrument takes time, it’s frustrating, but also very rewarding. Going through internal struggle to then feel a sense of accomplishment is an experience all children should have. 

Kalea: Everyone should have the chance to play music because it brings people together. Music class can help to build confidence, it can help other kids feel accomplished, and make memories.

 

 

Kalea Boyd’s Essay:

For me, being in a music ensemble has made a positive difference in my family, school, and community for many reasons.

First, it has helped me become closer to old friends, and helped me make new ones. I found one friend in particular who has helped me grow as a person, and helped me make even more friends. She also assists me with playing my instrument if I don’t understand something or have questions.

Another reason being in a music ensemble has made a positive difference in my life is, I can share the things I learned with family and friends. At home, I have an extra saxophone.

Although it doesn’t work very well, I like to teach my grandma how to play some notes. It has brought us closer together and gives me something to do other than watch TV or do something useless like that.

Lastly, being in a music ensemble builds confidence. I believe that when I step foot on the stage to perform songs I feel anxious and excited at the same time, but if I do it a lot then I will be used to it and those nerves will go away. As I walk with my instrument in my hand, I feel accomplished and I feel like I have a purpose in the musical world.

In Conclusion, being in a music ensemble has made an extremely positive difference in my family, school, and community for endless reasons.