Sophomore Alexandra Marmut of Tinton Falls let nerves prevent her from accessing her potential for years, but all that changed this summer. Being a trained classical piano player, Marmut had been presented with various opportunities throughout her musical career. Along with playing in Carnegie Hall, Marmut was recently given the opportunity to play internationally in Brixen, Italy.

“I got invited [to attend] in years past,” Marmut said. “I never went, though. I didn’t want to stress myself out. I didn’t know if I was ready for that before high school.”

Marmut decided to take the jump this year and accept the offer. Through a company called Crescendo Competitions, Marmut underwent an audition process that led her to play in Carnegie Hall, and later, have the opportunity to be invited on this trip. The nerves never did stop, though.

“I was so nervous,” Marmut said. “The week before, I had never been more nervous in my entire life.”

Despite initial anxieties, Marmut was able to overcome her fears. She attributes her ability to make new friends and experience new things to entering high school last year.

“I think within the past year I’ve had to adapt to many situations,” Marmut said. “It started with high school. That was the first time I had to meet many new people, so I was freaked out because I wasn’t used to it, but by the time I got to this trip, that had changed.”

On the trip, Marmut was introduced to a wide array of musicians her age of different cultures and upbringings.

“A couple of Italian kids performed at our concerts,” Marmut said. “They were phenomenal. Their upbringing is so different in Europe, and they are so hardworking. It was such a beautiful thing to see them play.”

Coming back from the trip, Marmut reflects on the experience as an opportunity to grow, not only as a musician but as a person as well.

“I feel like I can tackle a lot more things in my life,” Marmut said. “The experience of flying alone, and meeting all these new people, staying with them for 11 days, and then flying back alone; it really helps you grow and develop. I feel like my personality and self-confidence have changed a lot.”

Among other takeaways from the trip, Marmut recognized the lack of musical representation at Communications High School.

“I wish there was a music class taken one year as an elective,” Marmut said. “Just for people to learn music and enjoy music.”

In the weeks before, Marmut describes never having been more nervous, but coming out of the trip, she realizes she has made memories that will last a lifetime.

“It was amazing,” Marmut said. “It was one of the best experiences of my entire life.”