She stares intently at the music, as her eyes slowly move down the page, studying it briefly before starting to play her saxophone. Notes soon come alive from her shiny instrument, and beautiful music fills the room. Her hands glide along the keys, as her right arm moves slightly up and down along with the rhythm of the music.

She pauses strategically only to take quick breaths, but then resumes the song. She has played this particular song countless times before, but she understands she must continue practicing in order to achieve perfection. Susan Summers, a senior at Middletown High School, knows that it is the mastery of the tiniest details that separate her from the rest.   

       “Some things come easy to me, but many times, I’ve spent hours practicing small details to make it right. It definitely takes discipline to do that and not become frustrated,” said Summers, who has played the saxophone for nine years.

She participates in the marching band, jazz ensemble, wind ensemble, and concert band. She also was a member of the pit for MHS’s production of “Guys and Dolls.” Outside of school, she gains college experience as a member of the Hood College Wind Ensemble.

This lengthy list of music ensembles may keep Summers busy, but she still finds time to practice, “almost every day, for about two hours.” She also takes lessons with private teacher Rocky Birely, who she describes as a “third parent.”

 “Not only is he a great performer, but also he truly cares about his students and always tries to help,” added Summers.

Her hard work has paid off – she has received All-County Band for five years, superior ratings at the Maryland State Solo and Ensemble Festival, and most recently, an All-Eastern Band nomination. She is most proud of being named first chair for the 2008 All-State Band. All are highly-selective competitions that require candidates to audition.

“Auditions are probably more difficult and stressful than concerts because I am being judged,” said Summers.

Summers will continue pursuing music after she graduates from high school. She plans to major in music education and has narrowed her college choices to the Peabody Conservatory, Eastman School of Music, and Ithaca College.  

She said, “I’m looking forward to studying with a world-class performer and being around others who are also dedicated musicians.”

While she plans on becoming a music teacher, she added, “I would also like to perform with a professional ensemble.”

Summers said, “More than anything, I just love to play. Performing a piece that I have worked hard on feels really great.”