CGE 2020-21 Mentee
Tansy Brooks
North Rock Creek High School, Shawnee, Oklahoma
North Rock Creek High School, Shawnee, Oklahoma
From my earliest memories as a child, I remember always hearing many styles of Roger Miller, Ella Fitzgerald, Johnny Cash, and Paul Simon. My grandfather was the main influence in me starting my first instrument. He believes that everyone should play an instrument. At the age of seven, I began private lessons on the guitar at a small music store in my town. Within my first weeks of learning I discovered a clear passion for music. Shortly after, I learned the banjo, then in middle school, the saxophone and piano. I excelled at these instruments, and loved what I was doing. Growing up, I had also listened to the sounds of John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Gerry Mulligan. These sounds influenced me to pursue jazz studies starting in seventh grade with help from my private instructor at Oklahoma Baptist University. Ever since I have taken part of honor bands, workshops, masterclasses, and other opportunities that have shaped my musical experience. Now I am a sophomore at a high school with a greatly supported band program, which allows me to be a leader and learn while doing something I love. The thing I most love about music is that no matter who you are, your age, and the language you speak, you can still share your passion with others. In the future I plan to attend Oklahoma Baptist University to double major in Mathematics and Music Performance for a Bachelor's Degree. From there I plan to attend The University of North Texas for my Masters and Doctoral Degree.