Teenagers are notorious for wasting time and dawdling around, or as the geezers say, ‘loitering’. However, this is not the case at Quartz Hill, where talent brims from the gum-covered floors. Magenta Money, a flute player in the symphonic orchestra led by Mr. McQuilkin, is among these talented students.

   Money’s musical journey started when she was in fifth grade. She had her sight set on becoming a percussionist, but her hopes were soon crushed when her band instructor at the time told her that she would not be able to pursue her dreams. Rather than being discouraged and giving up on music, Money picked up a flute and became determined to learn how to play it. As time went on, she grew an appreciation towards playing the flute, and the grudges held by Money from elementary school vanished. As Money continued to play the flute, she started to genuinely enjoy the instrument, which she had never imagined happening. When she went on to high school, she joined the symphonic band.

   As anyone who has ever been in any honors, AP, or IB classes may know, it is not easy to maintain both academics and extracurricular activities. “It’s hard to find a balance,” admits Money, who is not only juggling four AP classes and music but horse riding as well. She stated that as far as her parents were concerned, her grades and education come before anything else, including band. However, Money has her own values and holds her flute above all other activities. School and homework take a large chunk of valuable practice time away from Money. However, she makes sure to create time to practice, setting aside at least an hour a day on weekdays and two to three hours on the weekends.  

   Money, who is currently a senior, is preparing to step away from the comforts of her home and to venture into the “Great Unknown.” Money has not completely made up her mind on which college she would like to attend, but she is planning on going to a school in California, such as USC or UCLA. She would like to double major in music and any subject related to physics or math. Magenta’s success at Quartz Hill is bound to be continued after graduation. No matter what her ultimate decision is, it is assured that Magenta Money is in store for great achievements, recognitions, and opportunities beyond her wildest dreams.