Jazz is not just “music” but a passion. It is something that senior Maddie Johnston loves to do.
“Music is an outlet for and representation of my thoughts/feelings.” she conveys. “The way a good solo will have me uncontrollably smiling, or the way a song can hit me in the heart, it’s awe inspiring. Beyond my friends and family, there are no better feelings than the ones that music gives me.”
Senior Maddie Johnston has been playing the piano for over eight years, and recently she was accepted into the prestigious National Youth Jazz Band. “Being accepted into NYO Jazz means I have been chosen by Carnegie Hall to be a cultural ambassador and a representation of some of the best student musicians in the country” she said
According to Carnegie Hall’s website, “NYO Jazz, comprising outstanding young musicians ages 16-19 from across the US, showcases the legacy and bright future of American jazz. These remarkable musicians come together each summer to engage in a rigorous training residency with world-class jazz masters on the campus of Purchase College, State University of New York.”
With only 18 spots available, only two of which are for piano players, positions are highly competitive due to hundreds of students applying.
“I was tasked with playing and recording typical jazz repertoire with a band,” Maddie adds.
“Along with the challenge of arranging a piece and playing John Coltrane’s infamous ‘Giant Steps’. It was also required of me to write a personal essay and record a video essay.”
It isn’t just innate talent that has gotten Maddie this far.
“Over the past couple of years, I have been putting a lot of work and thought into how to ‘put myself’ and my emotions in the music.” Maddie adds.
She believes that jazz is hard and complex, but can give you good technique. “It surely has paid off, and allowed music to be a true emotional outlet for me.”
Senior Isabella Espiritu is just as ecstatic about her friend’s acceptance.
“I’m very proud of her for getting into the National Youth Jazz Band as well as all of her other accomplishments,” said Isabella, “I’ve been with her since the start of her piano career and seeing how much she has grown with her skills and as a musician over the years has been very inspiring.”
Sophomore Jasmin Jackson is also inspired by Maddie’s musicianship.
“Knowing her has taught me that if I truly want to be a great musician I have to learn the things most people find boring. Knowing her has been so amazing and she treats me with love and respect and I can’t ask for a better friend.”
Band director Meghan Wagner considers herself lucky to have Maddie as part of the band program.
“Maddie is an ideal musician to have in a band program because she encompasses a strong work ethic as well as the drive to improve. She understands that it takes dedication to achieve excellence, and she pushes herself to improve every single day. Maddie understands that it’s not about talent but rather how much time you are willing to put into making progress.”
While Maddie’s achievements seem difficult to reach, anyone is capable of reaching any goal, no matter the subject.
Wagner conveys, “Show up every day and try. Sometimes all it takes is showing up and taking the first step, when life feels overwhelming or the work seems daunting, just take it one step at a time. Have patience with yourself and choose to love the process of improving”.
