Cadence Jalbert is a senior at Hamburg Area High School who has been involved in the Orchestra since 4th grade, Choir since elementary school, and Band since 11th grade. She has also been a part of Chamber Strings, Aerial Boundaries, Jazz Band, Marching Band, and Caroling Band since high school.

     Her musical ability extends to a variety of instruments. She has been playing the cello since fourth grade, the piano since ninth grade, and the guitar since middle school. She also plays the clarinet, bass clarinet, tenor saxophone, alto saxophone, and has recently picked up the oboe. She dabbled with the viola this year and has been playing the ukulele since middle school.

    Cadence expressed a particular fondness for the Marching Band, making it her favorite ensemble to play in. She noted the fun of learning the field show, the excitement of band camp, the joy of participating in parades, and the thrill of playing at football games. Her favorite instrument is the clarinet, because it is the instrument that sparked her passion for music and propelled her musical journey. She states, “I sort of just really fell in love with music and my passion for playing really took off.”

     Cadence’s favorite part of being involved in music is that it allows her to make new friends. She appreciates how music brings together people from different backgrounds and skill levels, creating a harmonious blend of personalities and talents. She mentions, “Everyone is on so many different levels, we all come from different friend groups, but at the end of the day when we all play together is when the music really comes to life, despite everyone being different.”

     However, she also acknowledged the challenges of her musical involvement. The commitment required often takes away a lot of her free time. She admits that the most stressful part of being involved in music is the time commitment, with school days often extending from 7 am to 5 pm, and the pressure to master various pieces for different ensembles. However, Cadence believes that the rewards outweigh the challenges.

     Music has significantly impacted Cadence’s life, providing her with a diverse group of friends and a place where she can feel included. Participating in music has also taught Cadence valuable life skills such as responsibility and understanding and lessons about who is really important to her. She notes, “If I was not in music I don’t really know where I would be.” The music department has so many different friend groups that one will never find themself without someone to talk to. 

    She was initially inspired to participate in music because she “just thought the cello was a cool large instrument.” Since then, her motivation to move forward in music comes from the people she has met and an internal drive to learn and improve. Cadence also notes the significance of Mrs. Dowd and Mrs. Kline throughout her musical career, stating, “These two wonderful teachers have really taught me everything I know and they still help me to learn and push me to learn more.”

     Cadence believes that it is important to be a part of music. It is not only a fun activity but also a stress reliever. It also provides a sense of community and the freedom to create music in one’s free time. She encourages others to join music ensembles, stating, “People should really think about starting an instrument or even just joining the choir, because music can take you places you never thought you would go to. Plus it’s fun.” She advises students who are just starting their musical journey to never give up, adding, “ It will sound ugly at first, it does for everyone, however, you have to be willing to put in the time to practice or else you won’t get anywhere.”

     As for her future, Cadence plans to continue her musical journey at Shippensburg University, where she intends to join the marching band. She is committed to continually pushing her boundaries, practicing regularly, and expanding her musical knowledge.

     Cadence provides a wonderful example of how transformative music can be in one’s life. Music changed her life, offered her friends and a creative outlet. It taught her valuable lessons and gave her the opportunity to grow as an individual and as a musician. Consider joining a Hamburg music ensemble, and remember to never give up!