I missed twenty jazz band rehearsals so you don’t have to.
Facing the fear of failing: Veronica Osorio ‘19 standing alongside with Mr. Holland in the band room. This is where Veronica had to make up 13 practices. “I really had the mindset that I was going to fail this class. I really didn’t want to go in and play the songs. Then I fell in love with two of the songs and that was all I played. Mr. Suau also had a huge part in helping me practice. I really appreciate them both.” said Osorio.
Here’s a lesson for everyone: if you join something, you have to do it. You cannot just skip every rehearsal and expect a good grade in the class. At first I joined it in hopes of having fun like I did my freshman and sophomore year.
When classes started, I got a concussion. My concussion lasted for two weeks and then I got hit with a sinus infection. It was possibly the worst month of my life. I couldn’t go to class because I had a major headache and I wanted to sleep in. After that month, I just wanted to sleep. I had hit an all time low with all of the college applications and wondering if it was even worth it. But as soon as I overcame that I got hit with reality: I was failing jazz band.
Now was the time to talk to Mr. Holland. He had told me if I came in during homeroom three times a week, it would count for a weeks worth of jazz band. I had to set aside everything I was doing during homeroom and after school to make up the practices.
I had to go during homeroom for a total of nine times. Then I had to go in for after school a total of four times. When I asked him if there was anything else I could do, he recommended me going to a concert at Turner Hall. After I did that, he informed me that it counted for a week of jazz band. That was fabulous news for me. Monday night we had our winter concert and that was a grade out of 40. If you show up, you got a 40/40. Now my final grade is a 92.
I’d personally like to thank Mr. Holland for always believing in me. He has literally seen me grow up since 5th grade. And that’s wild. He saw us progress from when we played “Mary Had a Little Lamb” to playing a college level song. He taught me how to play the alto saxophone. He encouraged me to play in 7th/8th grade jazz band, making me want to continue into high school. He helped me get my grade up when he knew I wasn’t feeling 100%. As the year comes to an end, it makes me realize how much I am going to miss him.
If you ever feel as though you aren’t doing well in class, please tell your teacher. It is best to inform them rather than let them watch you fail. They are human too, they have been through thick and thin, they know what’s up. As final season approaches, try your best to pass all of your classes. Your future depends on it.
