Hello!
With this letter I wish to apply for a Lyseng Musical Scholarship to assist me in the acquisition of a new flute. Since childhood music has been an integral and important part of my life. It has and continues to comfort, challenge, and reward me in numerous ways.
My first memory of music was when I was five years old, singing "Angels Watching Over Me" with my mother each night before bedtime. After getting tucked in, she'd descend our vintage carpet stairs on 1st ST NE and play the piano, serenading me with her sweet melodies and harmonies. In 1st grade I was granted my first opportunity to perform on stage, singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" at L.F.C.H.S. in my pink corduroy pants, and flanked by two Jennifers: Brumbaugh and Hart.
During elementary school I began playing the piano, recorder and flute. My mother was my first piano teacher, and I'm deeply indebted to her for sticking with a stubborn 7 year old who was definitely at times a defiant student! My father, or "papito", as I love to call him has also influenced me with his love for music. He's the best kazoo player I know, and he's always been my number one fan at recitals and concerts!
Growing up music was a daily part of my life. In school I played in concert and jazz bands, on weekends our family sang and performed in our church choir, (note: though "perform" may seem somewhat of a polemical "palabra" in this situation, it's what I felt we did because we'd often receive an applause after mass), and on holidays dynamic duets were popular. In Moorhead, MN the girls: Grandma, aunties and cousins gave good live background tunes, and during celebrations with the Spoffords music was also ubiquitous, though, during these occasions it was more alternative and most likely caused by auntie Jeanette's baked beans!
Involvement with music has deepened my relationships with family and friends. It's allowed me to connect with them on multiple levels. The most memorable times with my grandma Naomi were playing piano duets from the Sound of Music. She'd take the bass clef and I the treble; we'd sing, laugh, cry, and afterwards she'd always have my favorite cookies warm and ready with a cup of cold milk!
To continue with an analogy of a marvelous musical; on more than one occasion the Spoffords have been likened to the vivacious Von Trap family with their tuneful talent. As previously mentioned, both of my parents are rhythmically inclined, and my siblings and I've been fortunate to receive their melodious genes. Together we are quite the versatile ensemble, covering string, woodwind and percussions sections. Unfortunately, I can't claim competency with brass because my brother Andrew had to drop the trombone in elementary school. He attributes this to physical and oral difficulties (his arm couldn't reach the last position and the mouthpiece gave him canker sores), but I believe he much preferred carrying a pair of wooden sticks to school.
In the future I plan to continue sharing the gift of music with others. Receiving a Lyseng Musical Scholarship would support this endeavor. I'm currently living in Japan teaching English on the JET program, and I'd like to be able to play my (new) flute in lessons at Elementary, Junior and Senior High School visits. Additionally, I would also utilize my new instrument to get further involved with music in my community of Aomori, Japan. Thank you very much for your time and consideration of my application. I'm available for questions at your convenience at emspofford@yahoo.com or 81.80.1831.9700. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Best Regards,
Elizabeth M. Spofford
