I've played piano for 9 years now. I switched teachers around 4 or 5 years ago, and for my current teacher, every year we do this thing called the Guild, where I take all the pieces I've played for the year and play them for a judge, memorized. I don't really like piano, and I'd rather quit, but I'll continue through high school.

I don't ever write music, but I will figure out and right down music I've heard elsewhere (usually movie soundtracks).

I also do competitions once or twice a year. Does anybody else compete?

I was going to play percussion, but I chose trumpet. But in 6th grade, percussion is awesome, so I felt bad. But I loveeeee trumpet! Unless the note is super high and the valves get stuck. I've been playing it for two years. I learned recorder in fourth grade, I learned about the piano in trumpet class, and I can sing. 

My school band competes in a state competition and in a competition on a different trip we go to every year.  This year, we went to Washington, D.C.  It was really fun and educational musically.  My dad got to chaperone.  I've been to D.C. a lot and I've never actually been to the International Spy Museum, so I really liked that.  It was also cool to see all the monuments at night.  We also went to a theme park, and I dragged my friend 'J.' on a coaster where your feet dangle and you go upside down.  His reaction was super funny.  I ended up going on a coaster where you're standing the whole time with my dad and 'C.' which was cool bc my dad is normally my coaster buddy.  At one point, I dragged 'C.' and 'J.' on a coaster that shoots you off instead of going over a hill first, and they were really nervous about it.  They both thought I was the sweet, innocent one and I was the one who was about to burst with the awesomeness of the coaster while they were scared.  That ended up being one of their favorite rides.  I don't normally hang out with them a lot, so it was fun to go on rides with them.  

I'm sorry, I got wayyy off topic there.

I play piano and like it.  I have a guitar but I haven't learned how to play it yet.  

@SC: SQUEEEEEE!!!! I do Guild too! SQUEEEEEE AGAIN!!!!

Also, this is really random and off-topic but do y'all like The Beatles? 

Spaminator says wwvb.  Wishing while vacuuming beds?  Hmm. 

That clarinet joke is unfortunately very true for both schools I've been to. *sigh* @Zach I've been playing the alto sax for 3 years so high-five because it's the best instrument ever.

Also, I played flute for a few months in the first term of grade 8. Ha! That lowered my grade considerably- I couldn't even get a sound out of it- so I switched back to my beloved saxophone. I've been playing piano for 8 years and I'm going to take my grade 9 piano exam soon :(((((((((

@SC I compete too! Everyone's so nervous which makes me nervous as well. I try to do at least one regional competition a year in preparation for my exam, but it's really nervewracking unless I'm absolutely comfortable with everything which is never, except for my one Chopin piece which I love (Nocturne in C# Minor best evereverever).

For performing nerves, an Admin here suggested to eat bananas which really helps me on the ride to the recital hall! The potassium helps... something and the act of eating prevents me from imagining terrible, terrible things that can happen while on stage. Also, for piano, make sure the pedal doesn't bounce right up because depending on the instrument make, it can make a loud, distracting sound and I used to be prone to doing that.