Many people dream of learning a musical instrument, but not many have the determination it takes to be the best in their field. To do so, they have to be able to balance the long hours spent practicing their instruments with their school work and other extracurricular activities. Although learning an instrument is never an easy task, it can be an extremely rewarding experience once you set your mind to it and strive towards being the best.

Freshman Samantha Tun has been playing the oboe since the 6^th grade. Ironically, despite how much she enjoys playing it now, it was never her first choice of instrument. She began her musical career playing the cello in elementary school, but her middle school didn’t offer a strings program, so she was forced to switch to another instrument suitable to her middle school’s concert band. She then decided to play the bassoon, but local stores didn’t sell them, so she finally resorted to playing the oboe.

The oboe is a double reed instrument which makes it very hard to play, but Tun has mastered it by practicing for at least five hours every week. Since she started playing the oboe, she has played in the Tampa Metropolitan Music Orchestra, the All-County Band and was even offered to go to Germany to study the oboe for a week. Her current oboe teacher is Amy Collins, who teaches at the University of South Florida.

When asked how playing the oboe has changed her as a person Tun replied, “It has taught me lessons of determination and that practice makes perfect. It has also allowed me to express myself.” Although Tun is not considering music as a profession, she would still like to play it throughout high school and college.

Senior George Pennington, a renowned guitarist, started playing the guitar at age eleven. He knew a friend who was good at guitar and wanted to be able to play it with him. Pennington said, “When I got my first electric guitar, I tuned the E string until it snapped, and instead of getting scared, I took it as a challenge and decided to learn guitar.”

Since then, Pennington has played at a number of venues across the United States, the most notable one being a famous blues bar in Chicago, Kingston Mines, where guitar legends like Buddy Guy began their blues careers. He was also selected to participate in the Grammy Music Revolution Project, which gave him the opportunity to work with award winning musicians and perform at Ruth Eckerd Hall. In addition, Pennington was interviewed on the WMNF Live Music Showcase about his band and played live music on the air.

Pennington has become a very successful guitarist, but it took a lot of work and effort to get there. He plays the guitar every day for at least two hours. Hoping to further establish his music career, George wants to continue composing and conducting in the future. “[Because of] learning the guitar, I have a more open mind about music. I also became more interested in different kinds of music. It has given me a sense of purpose and passion for what I want to do with my life.”

Mastering an instrument is not easy—it requires determination, dedication and strong passion for music. Samantha Tun and George Pennington are just a few of the many successful musicians at Berkeley, all of whom can confirm that playing an instrument with such commitment brings unique life lessons and experiences.