Jonathan Lackey, Class of 2023

Biography

I currently go to Brookwood High School, I am in the eleventh grade this year, and I have been playing the trumpet for about 5 years now. I started playing in the sixth grade, but my passion for the trumpet never developed until I hit my 9th grade year in high school. That was when I realized I loved to play the trumpet, and I wanted to take my craft on the instrument to the next level and beyond. This year I was selected to be a part of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) for their 2021-2022 season, which is something I am really excited about. If I am not working on music for the Talent Development Program, I am either practicing for other events, like playing at an assistant living center once a month, or practicing to play at church, as well as other auditions that pop up. When I have free time, I am always listening to music, reading a good book, or watching a good movie occasionally.

Joining the Talent Development Program was a life changing experience for me honestly. When I joined the program, my mind was focused on building my craft on the trumpet, and music, followed by more trumpet improvements. However, the TDP teaches you way more than just the road map of becoming a better musician. It taught me a lot about responsibility, like staying on top of dates, events, and practicing. It also taught me (and it still is) how to manage my time during my day. It made me realize the importance of not focusing too much time on one activity for the day, because it leads to you being distracted, and ultimately not getting done what needs to be done. The entire TDP community is full of outstanding adults and musicians, and getting to communicate with other like-minded, friendly people helped me work on myself better as a TDP member and as an individual person. Joining the Talent Development Program was definitely one of the best decisions of my life, and if you have a passion for music, and have the will to work and grow (Musically and individually), then the Talent Development Program is the spot for you.