Ethan DeNeen

I am a student and musician currently living in Waterford, Michigan. My interests range from swimming to music. I am also interested in reading and politics.

I go to school at Troy High School, where I try to take rigorous courses and apply myself to the full; I always work to outdo myself and present the best work I can, because to do anything less would be a waste.You can click the button above to find out more about the Troy High School and the courses they offer.

As a musician, I am first and foremost a pianist. I've taken lessons since I was in elementary school, but I don't compete; I always feared -- and the experiences of my friends have proved it -- that competition can take the joy out of music, and that would, to my mind, negate the purpose of playing. Music, particularly piano music, has become my catharsis. I also play Trombone in the Troy High School Cadet Band and the Troy Colt Marching Band. I love the sense of oneness and unity that comes with playing and marching in large ensembles, and I wouldn't give up these experiences for the world.

Swimming is my foremost sport. I go to practice every day, and I revel in the pain, challenge, friendship, and success that each practice brings. I challenge myself to work hard, and make every yard count. My team (Kingfish Aquatics) is small, but I've found that to be an advantage; the small numbers lent themselves close relationship with coaches, and brought together a beautiful team of driven, like-minded people who have become the very best of friends. I see my teammates every almost every day of the year. That has bonded us to one another, and allowed us to work as a support system, to drive one another to greater heights.

I enjoy reading in my free time, particularly the great classics of recent history. I've challenged myself to read difficult books -- War and Peace is an excellent book, but philosophizes in such a fatalistic way that I cannot say I truly loved it -- and simple titles -- A Separate Peace depicts the intricacies of every relationship; jealousy, friendship, joy, and tragedy -- but all of them have thrilled me for the joy of discovery they give, for the beauty of the way in which the printed word interacts with the mind to build a new world.

I would classify my interest in politics as almost a morbid fascination. I both enjoy and am disgusted by the ruthlessness and polarization of it. Whatever the cases, I continue to read the news daily.

I hope that I managed to convey a bit about me.