Jessica Sharou

Hometown

Lake Elsinore, California

Education

California Baptist University, Music Education, 2023-Present

Instrument

Clarinet

Biography

Jessica Sharou is a Music Education major at California Baptist University. She first picked up an instrument in 5th grade, and has played one ever since. She started with playing clarinet and then moved on to play violin 3 years later. While her main instrument is clarinet, she has always wanted to push herself to play as many instruments as possible. Through the years of her playing, her first music teacher was the one who inspired her to become a music educator.

What inspired you to go into music?

I decided to go into music, because I was jealous of my older sister, at first. My older sister decided to join band and she picked to play the flute. When I was able to join band, 4 years later, I also wanted to play flute, but wasn't allowed to, so I picked a random instrument, the clarinet. I never knew at that time, that I would love that instrument so much. I had a rough time when I first started in band. I would get confused and would get upset, but my music teacher, Mrs. Bonner, was the one who pushed me to keep going. As my 6th grade year was coming to an end, Mrs. Bonner was transferred to a middle school, which was the one I soon came to attend. During my 8th grade year, I decided that I wanted to do what Mrs. Bonner does and become a music teacher. I also decided at that point, that I wanted to go to CBU for school.

What is an interesting fact about you?

An interesting fact about me is that I have been in band for over 13 years. I was in marching band for 4 of those years as well, and my marching band was able to perform in the 2024 Rose Parade. Along with that, I was in choir for about 5 years, one of the years being my last year of high school, to which we performed in Carnegie Hall.

What activities do you enjoy in your spare time?

Outside of being a part of the band, I love to write poems and song lyrics. I've been writing for years and I love being able to put my emotions and how I see things into words. Writing poems and songs also helps me to center myself and to become more at peace.

What are you most excited for about this 2024-2025 season?

I am definitely most excited about the new music that we're going to be able to play. I love playing different pieces and it makes me happy to be able to play them for everyone.

Favorite Musical Quote:

"Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything."

-Plato