Tales of Tenth Grade

     I was originally going to write about the importance of music in general to me, but then my brother stole that idea. So instead I'm going to talk about playing music. I've been playing music for a long time, ever since I was 8 when I first started guitar lessons. Remember the fourth grade teacher Mr. Cosolovo? He was my first guitar teacher. A year later as started learning the other instrument I know how to play, viola, through the school. The reason I wanted to learn music in the first place was because I wanted to be like the rock stars I used to idol. Music was always around me when I was growing up, so it was natural that I wanted to learn myself. Ever since, I've been consistenly trying to improve, and I've never once doubted manting to play an instrument.      Now, playing music has become a part of my life. I never really plan to do anything with my knowledge of guitar or viola, I more use it to give myself something to distract me from the s...

          Grades are one of the most important things for me. If I were to rank the top 5 most important things to me, it would go as(in no order) grades, family, friends, health, and the Jets/football. Since kindergarten, my mom instilled a work ethic in me when it came to school. I'll never forget it. It's the origins of why grades are important to me. I've always been a good student when it came to grades, and I plan on keeping like that throughout the rest of my academic career.           On every assignment or test that goes into the grade book, I always aim for at least a 90. A 90 is like the line between an A and B+. I don't like getting anything less than an A- because I want to be able to understand whatever I'm learning and demonstrating skills and knowledge that go above the requirements. Getting a 90 or better proves you can do that.          College along with grades is important for me. I want to ...

Ok, so I'm sure many of you know that I love classical music. I used to always talk about it and a friend and I currently co-curate a classical music fanpage on Instagram (close to 8,000 followers, by the way). Now, I'm not here to tell you that this is the only genre of music or only type of real music.  That's simply not true and I'm not one of those people. I respect your opinion on music. In fact, it's not the only genre I listen to. I love  film music like  Hans Zimmer  and John Williams . Oh, and I also like jazz music  and really any type of instrumental music . Now, you're probably thinking, "Chris, this is all instrumental music." Yes, yes, yes. However, I do listen to some music with lyrics. For example, the Les Miserables soundtrack and La La Land , Phantom of the Opera , Frank Sinatra , and others , and, heck, even Dollerie (no link due to bad words). I'm sure you can tell by now that I love music and a lot of types too. So,...

So this month's topic is 'something important to you,' and, as many of you may have guessed, the topic I chose to write about is writing . (I know, I know, I'm so unpredictable.) By the way, shout-out to Mia Jardine, whose birthday is today (January 10th), and who is also very important to me. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- To Compose I am infected with an affliction Contaminating mind and heart and soul One curious, withering addiction That both consumed my life, yet made it whole I have discovered the love of my life The one passion that sets my soul alight Spawning incurable joy, acute strife, From many a sleepless yet fruitful night I am yet faded, but always renewed By this romance that clouds my consciousness Sweet lines in verse, is all it takes to woo And steal from me all guise of cognizance My love: jet black ink on paper pure white I would be nothing if I could not write. ...

I find it crazy how unique dogs are. Each and every one of them have individual personalities and character traits that seem almost human. I have two dogs at home, both English Cream Golden Retrievers. One, named Polo, is eight. The second, named Scout, is five. Polo is lazy and doesn't bother with anyone unless food is in the equation. She usually just lays on the ground examining everyone and everything. On the other hand, there is Scout: the exact polar opposite of Polo. He is constantly in need of attention and is always jealous of Polo. If anyone pets Polo, he runs up and nudges himself in between. Scout is also very talkative: he grunts, and whines as if he is trying to talk to us. Both of my dogs are amazing and mean so much to me. Polo is kind and gentle and is, to be honest, therapeutic. Scout is much more of the dog to run around and play with. He is always waiting around for someone to entertain. Scout and Polo are so important to me. They always run to greet me when ...