My journey to become a classical musician has been enhanced with many growths, and impeded with setbacks as well. However, always constant has been the help and guidance of those who care. Since the age of eight, I have indulged in what is known as classical music, yet my success story, now nine years in the making, has not been developed solely through personal desire and resources. I have had the pleasure to work with one particular organization, The Rowell Foster Children Positive Plan, who has helped develop as well as expose my musical talent. For this, I am truly grateful, but more importantly, I realize that not only do I want to excel, but others want me to see me excel as well. Two experiences in particular have marvelously added to the current promising state of my musical career.

Playing at the screening for the Antwone Fisher Story was an almost overwhelming honor to accept. Who wouldn't be nervous playing a baby grand piano, elevated above the floor where everyone could clearly see, and playing Rachmaninoff in front of an acclaimed audience. However, after meeting such a plethora of intriguing "stars", my nervousness turned into flattery. I realized that I was asked to be there, and the whole scenario was the perfect stage to showcase my piano skills. So, as I sat down on the piano bench and began to articulate the various sections of my piece, I simultaneously thought about the people who allowed me to engage in such an honor. Not a good idea to think about distracting things while playing the piano usually, but this time I couldn't help it. I really felt blessed to be able to perform on such a grand stage at the Antwone Fisher screening.

Furthermore, through the RFCPP, I was afforded the opportunity to top it all off and play on national television. At the screening, I was nearly overwhelmed, but I was completely playing on the NBC's Sunday morning broadcast. Everyone across the country could see and hear what I have to offer the music community. Luckily, Victoria Rowell herself accompanied me, so it eased some the tension, but still no one can assist with on the spot relaxation. So when I was given the cue to start playing, I stumbled through the first ten seconds or so, but understood that mistakes can happen. The great ones are not flawless, and like the great ones, I tried to forget the past and continue playing into the future. Eventually I did better until it was nearly perfect, but the whole mistake dilemma I had during the beginning of my performance gave me a first hand experience on how to adjust and improvise to try and achieve perfection. It was a very educating ordeal that ultimately left me humbled.

Last, but certainly not least, the generosity of Kashif has been the most unexpected and to this day, the single most advancing occurrence of my music development. He presented me with a brand new, stage of the art keyboard that is worth thousands of dollars. This allows me to record, produce, and arrange my own music from a bevy of styles and classical eras. Upon reflection, I first met Kashif at the screening a few weeks earlier, and while being invited to his house for a Christmas party, I was hoping for some social gathering. However, when he surprisingly gave me the large keyboard, I was speechless, as no words could truly express my candid delight for the gift. Once I calmed down and could speak again, I thanked him repeatedly. He really made my holiday that year.

All three experiences: the Antwone Fisher screening, the NBC show, and the keyboard from Kashif have helped pave the way for my success. I have benefited to the utmost from the exposure and practice that come from playing in front of audiences. Although I do not know what the future holds, I am sure it is promising. Through it all, I grasp that the help I am receiving should be recycled back into other up and coming musicians younger than me. Exemplified through the RFCPP, I try to help and motivate others to continue seeking their dream, even as my own has barely started to suggest there might be a grandiose prominence. Success is an action that truly acts in progressive stages, but along with the sincere hearts of family and those in the RFCPP, I am now glimpsing the fruition from years of practice and determination.

Johnell recently graduated (May 2007) from Dominican University in San Rafael, California with a Bachelor's in Music with an emphasis in Classical Music. Johnell plan to pursue a Masters degree in the near future.

Johnell H.