Nine years ago when I was in primary 2, I
started my journey in music through learning Clarinet. The learning
experience was vital as it really helped me build up a positive attitude to
Western Classical Music. Two years later there was an indispensable turning
point when I went to one of the concert of The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra
with my parents. I have changed the instrument I was learning from
Clarinet to French Horn. There were two reasons. First, the sound and
the shape of French Horn (what I am playing now) was doubtlessly
attractive. Secondly, the most miraculous part was the French Horn player Mark Vines in the
Orchestra sat next to me and he said ‘hi’ to me, a little kid. Later on, Mark
became my French Horn teacher.
After that, I really fell in
love with playing French Horn. I practiced days and nights.
From the age of 13 until now, I keep practicing attentively,
playing in Orchestra countlessly and joining master classes as many as I could.
Some friends asked me why I keep sticking to it. I think the reason is I find my dream of becoming
a professional French Horn player in the Orchestra with playing with all
fantastic orchestral pieces. And most importantly, I want to have my dream comes true. Now, I have already made a little progress on it as I am
studying in The Hong Kong Baptist
University (HKBU). I am sure that without being attentive, I won’t be qualified
to get the Music degree program.
It
is very important for us to treasure every learning experience. Just three months
ago, I was informed that there will be an Europe concert tour conducted by the
HKBU orchestra. Unfortunately, only string players were needed for that repertoire
(the music the orchestra are going to play). It means that the tour is none of
my business. At that moment, I didn’t think like’’ Oh! What a pity!’’. Instead of sighing, I decided to figure out whether there are chances for me. Later on, I talked
to my Department Head and suggested some repertoires which include French Horn. Amazingly, the
repertoire of the tour was changed and French Horn part was included. And I was invited to come. After the tour, I’ve learnt
and gained valuable knowledge and experiences that I can’t learn in Hong Kong.
It tells me and you that initiative is vital for everyone in acquiring
knowledge and experience.
Just a few weeks ago, I was doing an Orchestra Audition. I thought the audition requirement was easy
for me and it did not even take a day for me to work on. But things are not
always the case that we have imagined. When I was practicing those required
pieces, I was afraid as I recognized that those pieces should be a whole week
work for me. Eventually, I gave up the audition because of lacking preparation.
Obviously, I had made a big mistake, but it is not the most important part.
What we should focus on is the reflection part. This experience tell me exactly
I must focus on every single work seriously in order to enhance my musical path
and make sure that I would not leave any chances around.
To be honest, we are the same, the human
being, and we make
mistakes. We all
have our own dream. Throughout your life, people will keep telling you that if
you want to be successful, you have to work hard. I totally say yes to it.
However, ONLY working hard is not efficient at all as it is time consuming.
Rather than that, I would suggest all of you to become a smart learner, who is
attentive, initiative and reflective.
Wish you all a fruitful
and cheerful secondary school life.
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