I'm glad the student recital is over. I'm grateful for my family & friends who came, even though I only played the one and only one piece. Lol. It wasn't the most perfect performance ever, I am glad that I did participate in it, hope I will continue to improve my piano skills. : )
Looking back at my years of music training, I realized that I'd never give up on music. The first memories I remember was when my grandpa taught me to sing Chinese Oldies and Folk Songs before we went to sleep at night. Then I started my first piano lessons, and joined singing choir in school. I even sang karaoke at home with my sister, and the neighbors grew "fond" of our singing Lol. Those were the days in Malaysia.
When I returned to NY, I found myself singing in choir as part of our activities in school. Although my English wasn't up to par, but I knew I really enjoyed singing the songs. I remembered we went on a class trip to another school to perform. After spending three months in elementary school and graduated, I continued my journey with the love of music. For middle school, when we had to pick a class for our own interest, I picked "band", w/o fully understood what really band is. (And I was supposed to be placed in ESL class, but "interestingly" stayed in band class for the rest of my middle school yrs.) I found myself learning the clarinet. Arrogantly, I thought of myself as the "concert master" for the band. Though not getting an award from band class gave me some disappointment, but I never forget the experiences of learning from a passionate band teacher Mr.C.
Instead of going to one of the "specialize H.S" for music and art, I chose another good H.S. and as music major. I had to admit that I did not improve as much in H.S. in music for different reasons, yet I did join the All City Band, and took various of interesting music courses along the way to diversify my music interest, such as guitar class, jazz band, and midi class etc...
When I get to college, music was not my first priority as a major. After two semesters when my GPA plunged to the bottom I found myself auditioned and entered the music program. From then on, I found my grades going up again, LOL. It seems that music classes becomes my advantage to raise my gpas, but at the same time, I really enjoyed the classes and I get to learn more about music again. Until this semester would be my last semester in college, that I am still wonder, should I continue my music education? Or should I get a degree in music education?
Although it seemes that music has been a major part of my education years, I was also going back and forth about pursuing my interest in piano. Believe it or not, since my first lessons in Malay with two different teachers at the same time, I also had five other ones one after another in NY. It seemed that I could never stick with one. Nevertheless, I never grow tired of learning music, and play music. During my spare time, I also sing, and I also accompany with keyboard when B/S sing hymms.
I thank God that He has given me the interest and SOME talent for music to make my life more interesting. Although I can never say I'm great in any instruments or any aspects in music. I guess I'm more interested in various type of music that might prepare me for any future USEFUL PURPOSES. I don't know if I might become a music teacher, an arranger, or even a composer for church's hymms. All I know is that it started out when I learned "Au Bao Xiang Hui" from my grandfather, that has jumpstart my journey for music. I hope that my music knowledge continue to grow, and my passion would never ceased, coming from the One who has give me the "gift".
P.S - Gotta study for my Orchestration Quiz, hope I will remember the materials : P
