Bassett has been playing clarinet in the Granger Band for three years. She loves to learn new music.

    “I like to express myself through music,” Bassett said. “I like poetry. And sometimes after hearing a song for the first time, I create a poem to go with it.”

    Band Director Eckert said that Bassett really likes a challenge and that her perfectionist mentality has led to her improvement.

    “It doesn’t matter what piece I ask them to play. She can play it,” Eckert said. “She is a great sight reader.”

    Bassett’s band skills are not simply the result of natural talent. She works hard inside and outside the band hall to hone her skills.

    “Bergé asks for extra music to take home because the music we play in class isn’t always as challenging,” Eckert said.

    This practicing has led Bassett to two band awards. She was the Best Woodwind in sixth grade. And more recently, she earned a division one rating (best possible rating) at the UIL Solo and Ensemble contest this year.

    “I played a tenth-grade piece for the solo and ensemble contest,” Bassett said. “It took a lot of daily practice.”

    Bassett said that she receives a lot of support from her parents to pursue her musical interests.

    “My dad is really supportive of my band experience because he played woodwinds in school,” Bassett said. “My mom didn’t play an instrument. But she still supports me.”

    Eckert views Bassett as a leader in the band. And she considers her a “band kid for life” because she loves the band atmosphere, people, and music.

    “Bergé is a leader,” Eckert said. “She has taken Shelby [another clarinetist] under her wing. Bergé reminds her which fingerings are correct and what the beats are. And I trust that what she says is correct.”

    Bassett plans to pursue music through college and beyond.

    “I want to attend Temple College and then transfer to Texas A&M for my bachelor’s,” Bassett said. “Eventually, I want a PhD in engineering.”

    Bassett has shown the determination necessary to be an even greater musician. And although her career may not involve music, it is likely that music will always be important in Bassett’s life.