Being 9 years old with her whole life ahead of her, that is when it all began. She could grow up and decide to do anything. And in grade school, in music class, she made one decision that set her whole future into motion.

She took one look at that beautiful, shiny French horn and immediately wanted to play it. She fell in love with the instrument, and soon after…the exquisite art of music itself.

Ever since, freshman Emma Arnold has been playing not only the French horn, but also the trumpet, mellophone, piano, guitar, and ukulele, and she has a plan to begin the violin in the near future. That is six instruments she is currently playing, ladies and gentlemen. Her genuine passion in instruments has also expanded into singing as well.

“To be honest, I don’t know what I’d do without [music],” Arnold said. “The fact that I can make such beautiful sounds with instruments and play music that makes people feel certain ways, it’s inspiring to me.”

Music is always uplifting to her, and it makes her proud that she is able to produce beautiful sounds herself. The practice helps her with focus and concentration in any aspect of life, so she believes it is also very beneficial to her.

Arnold is in both band and choir at HHS, and it helps expand her knowledge and challenge her in the musical field. She also works on her skills outside of class, putting much effort into her practice.

She really wants to pursue music as a career, in hopes to be a musician or a singer. Though she doesn’t have her eyes set on a specific college, her family continuously supports her in the journey towards her dream nonetheless.

With the endless support and her own happy, lighthearted energy, Arnold does not mind the reactions she receives when she tells people she plays six instruments.

“They’re always super surprised,” she said. “Like, I know one person who knows how to play two instruments: the saxophone and the flute. And when I told them [how many I played], they were blown away. They didn’t expect it was possible.”

But it is possible, and through that, she believes in relentlessly pursuing one’s passion for a genuine purpose.

“Work hard, but don’t do things to impress people,” Arnold said. “Do it because you want to and enjoy it. And if you really want to do something, you can, just as long as you put your mind to it.”

And she definitely embraces that in her passion. Best of luck in the future, Emma.