Auto Ethnography

Hello everybody, this is Baby the Russian Blue Cat here to tell you about Saraphena. Since being adopted and brought home one year ago, she has been nothing but loving and kind. After living with her for a whole year, there is a lot to be learned about her. Saraphena is a very social, dependable person with strong work ethic. She is social because she goes to events with her friends often. At her new school Cal Poly Pomona she joined the Filipino club on campus called Barkada. She also joined Theta Delta Beta, a cultural Fraternity’s Little Sis Program as well. Through these programs she has made amazing friends. Saraphena is dependable because when she is home she always makes sure yours truly has plenty of food and water. We also play all the time, even though it sometimes ends with some scratches. Lastly, Saraphena has very strong work ethic. Even though she is always doing homework, she also needs her free time. She makes sure her schoolwork is done before going out. Because, she knows that school is first and fun is second.

Thank you Baby, Isn’t she great guys? The traits that Baby mentions about me are almost a direct result of four years of being in the Saddleback High School Performance Ensemble. During my time in High School I had the privilege to join the schools Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Drum Line, Color Guard and Honor Band.

I began in Color guard, but already had previous experience on the trumpet, and eventually took up the marching baritone, the euphonium, the glockenspiel, and the marimba. Through this organization I acquired several traits that have influenced me to be who I am today. My sophomore year I was moved up to the position of high brass section leader, that same yeat I also became high and low-brass section leader as well. With this position came a tremendous amount of responsibility. Not only was I required to know my material, but I had to make sure that 15 others did as well. Teaching material to students was a tad difficult in the beginning, but as Derek Bok said in his essay, "In talking with students, they should seek to educate and persuade, rather than resort to ridicule or intimidation." This experience taught me how to be a leader.

In order to have a successful group, dedication and accountability are absolutely necessary. Hours of music rehearsal, and drill practice were key. It even showed me how to talk to people in different settings. Band taught me the importance of networking as well. In high school it helped me win Homecoming Queen, and in college it has helped me have a great dorming experience, and have good relationships with my professors and fellow peers. Marching band even helped me become a more confident person. As section leader I had to go up after major performances and critique my high and low brass, and even the entire band. Performing in front of huge crowds helped my confidence level go up as well.

Thanks to this amazing program I believe I am now a better person. It’s interesting how influential participation in a high school marching band can be. As a section leader I never thought that the skills I learned there, would be so helpful in the future.