Grad's guide to graduate admissions essays - Colleen Reding 2015

George Mason university school of law
Law

There are two ways to play the flute. In solitude, the flutist is in full control of the composition. Each sound produced by the instrument is distinct. Slight variations dramatically alter a given composition, so that one has to articulate each phrase with extreme care. With others, the flute morphs into a vehicle of companionship. Blending with the group, the flutist injects passion and enthusiasm into the music without overwhelming the sound of the entire band.

I nervously held my newly purchased flute in my hand. The instrument shone. My high school flute instructor stood over me as I began to play the assigned piece. Although I stumbled over some of the notes, I felt content with my progress and expected only approbation from my teacher. Instead, my instructor had other plans.

“Rest your flute and close your eyes,” she instructed. “Listen closely to the recording.”

As soon as I shut my eyes, the orchestra’s harmonious notes blended together to form a mosaic of sounds. I could see the conductor swirling his delicate wrist to the ebb and flow of the orchestra’s graceful rhythm. I listened for the flute section’s melodic entrance. As the other instruments danced around the melody with fanciful trills, the flutes stretched each phrase, pushing the boundaries while keeping in time. Although far from an experienced musician, I heard the discrepancy between my reading of the piece and the orchestra’s interpretation. Instead of playing merely what was written on the page, the orchestra personalized the composition by manipulating rhythms, varying the tempo, and altering the dynamics. I returned to the assigned piece. The black notes contrasted starkly with the white paper. I stared at the composition, attempting to create a coherent story out of the various notes. Slowly, I began to realize that music is far from “black and white.” Each piece can be played in a slightly different, yet noticeably distinct, manner.

The crowd erupted into applause as the Georgetown basketball team sprinted onto the court. I drew my flute to my lips, anticipating the downbeat of the Georgetown fight song. As soon as the sound of the trumpets roared into the arena, the rest of the pep band joined in the melody. My fingers ran smoothly over the slightly tarnished keys while I moved in tandem with the flute section to the beat of the base drum. Each carefully planned movement created flashes of color as the band dipped and swayed in the stands. Georgetown fans stood as a sea of blue and gray, taunting the rival team. I articulated each note with extreme care so as to remain in harmony with the other flutists. The band’s sound depended on the restraint and concentration of each member. The excitement felt by each band member enhanced the overall enthusiasm of the group, pushing the volume to an overwhelming level.

There are two ways I play the flute. Alone, I seek to find my own musical voice while with others, I exercise restraint. I hope to expand upon these traits long after I put my flute to rest. Although always aware of established rules and order, I will continue to explore the way in which society is shaped by those who have the determination and foresight to create their own melody.