1 . I took up the violin at 8 and have continued playing since. My experience shows music could really ________ me to connect with people.

I used to ________ going to the teen group in our church. Being shy, I didn't have the courage to meet new people there. So I was never involved in any ________ . This was why the teen group always ________ me. But my parents asked me to go there.

Mark Bowen, the group leader, wanted to found a band within the group. He asked me to ________ .At first, I wanted to ________ , thinking being part of a band would make my life ________ at the group. Finally with my parents' encouragement, I changed my ________ and became a band member as a solo violinist.

________ I had tons of experience in performing with my school orchestra, I ________ played alone before. ________ , this made me nervous. But I was ________ after I found my violin going well with the other instruments. After several performances, I made friends with other ________ . We shared music and told jokes.

What was ________ was a visit from a famous musician. One day during the training, a lady walked in. After we ________ , she walked towards me and said, " I heard a violin playing! So I followed the ________ . " This was Charis a Rouse, the violinist I admired most. The thought of meeting her always made me ________ because she was so talented. And now she was ________ me. How amazing! She gave me many tips. And she told me though it's fun to play the violin, I should take the ________ seriously, as playing for the church is a huge responsibility.

Looking back, joining the band made me ________ , and improved my musical ability. I really appreciate it for helping me grow up.