A Bold Resonance

YST STORIES

Charting Pathways 2020: A Bold Resonance

This issue of Charting Pathways, we take a look at Wind and Brass students’ journeys across genres, countries and classes, working closely with teachers, visiting artists and peers alike.

Read our previous two articles about our MS, MCP, Joint Degree Programme and Artist Diploma students, and about students who have made a difference in the community.

CHEN I-HSUAN

“I’ve learned a lot of things – not only how to play music, but also how I see music as a part of my life.”

What has been a significant experience from the past four years?

The Miri Music Project organised by classmate Lau Hui Ping. During the trip, we reached out to music learners in Brunei and Malaysia, experienced different cultures, met new people and deepened our own friendships as a team.

Who helped you along the way?

My major teacher, Mr Han Chang Chou, taught me not only horn techniques, but also how to look at music and present it maturely. He always shared helpful resources and supported me in my music-making. I am also very lucky to have studied with Mr Jamie Hersch in my senior year. We have had many thought-provoking discussions which allowed me to reflect and think deeper abut music.

I am also really glad to have met my friends in YST, who have all helped me greatly throughout my four years.

Next steps after graduation?

After graduating from YST, I am going to pursue my Master’s Degree with full scholarship at the Frost School of Music, University of Miami. I am interested to learn more about film music, and am looking forward to studying under my teacher there who has had extensive experience in this field.

Favourite class at YST?

Texture and Timbre would be my favourite class in YST, as I learned a lot about different instruments. Our mid-term project was to arrange a piece for large ensemble – it was a big project for me and gave me the opportunity to apply what I learned in class.

CHIANG YUNG-YUAN

“Don’t forget to enjoy your life and do something that makes you relax.”

What has been a significant experience from the past four years?

There have been so many unforgettable ones! But the most significant would be when tuba soloist Øystein Baadsvik visited YST to work with us. It was an intense week with frequent rehearsals that lasted until the late evening. This was coupled with my other chamber performances, Concerto Competition and mid-term assessments.

However, the rehearsals became the most fun and enjoyable time in the day. I really enjoyed playing with him and was amazed by his music, technique and how he could create so many colours on the tuba.

Favourite class at YST?

Chamber music has brought me a lot of joy. During these four years, it has been interesting approaching different kinds of music and combinations, and making friends with more people. Among these, Singalaywan Wind Quintet/Sextet and Wan Trio have been my most significant groups. I was assigned to the Singalaywan Quintet from Year 1 to 3, and though the rest of the group members were my seniors, we became good friends and performed a lot together. This past year, I’ve been with the Wan Trio and we were selected to go for the Musical Chairs Chamber Music Festival at the Schulich School of Music, McGill University, Canada this semester.

What was a memorable quote from your studies at YST?

At the beginning of my YST studies, my major teacher Mr Ma Yue spoke to us about making plans for our four years. We worked towards the goal of me participating in at least two international competitions, two attempts at the YST Concerto Competition, and participating in music festivals during vacations. I think I achieved these goals and am satisfied with what I did during four years. (Editor’s note: Yung-Yuan won first place in our Concerto Competition Grand Finals last year!)

BRYAN CHONG

“Keep an open mind, stay humble and always aim to be a better version of yourself every day. Be willing to explore and try new things! You WILL keep improving, but it will never end because there is no limit to how much you can grow. Enjoy yourselves and the process of making beautiful music with your friends.”

What has been a significant experience from the past four years?

It would have to be the Conservatory Orchestra tour to Korea! We faced a few challenges, but we were all there for one another, working through it together. There was a sense of achievement eventually after performing in two successful concerts.

Who helped you along the way?

Everyone almost! My major teachers Jamie Hersch and Mr Han Chang Chou who have taught me and given me so many opportunities! The various faculty members who have been my coaches, my studio mates, chamber groupmates. Without all of them, I would not be able to make music and perform. Working with them has given me a diverse set of ideas and tools that I can definitely use going forward.

What was a memorable quote from your studies at YST?

“Just push in your B flat slide and you’re golden” – my major teacher, Jamie Hersch (2018). Because I have been playing with that very same setup ever since then, and never looked back. 🙂

HENDRIK KWEK

“Have an open mind and listen to more music. Keep fighting to push yourself out of your comfort zone and take more chances.”

What has been a significant experience from the past four years?

One would be during the 2016 Performers(‘) Present Symposium during my freshman year. The Boston Brass visited and I got to work with them in an inspiring masterclass. Also being able to tap into all these wonderful resources during the few days definitely played a huge part in my growth as a musician.

Another significant experience was the summer when my teacher, Marques Young, invited me to be part of the Julian Chan Jazz Orchestra, a big band performing at the annual Borneo Jazz Festival. It was an amazing experience for me playing alongside my teacher and playing jazz music, a new genre for me, and that really changed and shaped my perception of music.

Who helped you along the way?

First, I would have to thank my teachers, Zachary Bond, Marques Young and Sam Armstrong for their guidance. There was a period when I was having a lot of insecurities about my abilities. I talked to Marques about it and he said, “If you need five years to perfect your craft, take the whole five years to perfect your craft. You do not have to be perfect by the time you graduate.” This sentence helped me push through all the insecurities, keeping my eyes on what I want to be.

Second, I have to thank my studio mate Erwin Tan. Over the last year, he exposed me to a wider variety of music. Sharing and discussing music with him deepened my thinking and learning.

Third, I want to thank my mentor and friend Daniel Yiau. He has been offering advice to me throughout the years and also always been very willing to help me out, such as conducting my ensemble for my senior recital and much more.

Last but not least would be to thank all my friends who were willing to be part of my wind band to accompany me for my senior recital. I had thought it would be near impossible to gather over 40 people. Though we couldn’t perform in the end as the recital was cancelled with COVID-19, I am still very thankful that everyone was willing to come together to help me!

(Editor’s note: You can watch a snippet from their rehearsal here!)

Next steps after graduation?

I am intending to carry on my studies with the Master of Music course at YST and at the same time continue to teach within Singapore, as teaching has always been a passion of mine.

Favourite class at YST?

It would have to be Jazz 1! I think Assoc Prof Tony Makarome does a really great job teaching the fundamentals of jazz to people like me who might not have much exposure to jazz. He pushes us out of our comfort zone and encourages us to keep experimenting and finding different ways to express ourselves through the music.

PAWIN URAPEVATCHAREWAN

“Remember to go out and enjoy life!”

What has been a significant experience from the past four years?

The Evolutions in Tubistry project in 2019, when I had the opportunity to work and perform with one of the most famous tubists, educators and musicians, Øystein Baadsvik. I was also playing in the first round of the Concerto Competition that week, and he was in the jury. Through the project, I grew most in my ability to adapt and to be flexible, which, in my opinion, is one of the most important skills for a musician.

Who helped you along the way?

My major teacher, Assoc Prof Brett Stemple.

Favourite class at YST?

ACOR (Advanced Concepts in Orchestral Repertoire) has been my favourite and most important class in YST. The class prepares us for professional-level orchestral auditions.

What was a memorable quote from your studies at YST?

“There is one skillset that you have to achieve before you finish YST – you have to be able to teach yourself to be an artist.” – Allen Meek

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