My Senior Recital. I decided to play music that I adored and which encapsulated my YST journey. Since it was livestreamed, I created videos to further connect and drive my recital between pieces, where I shared my personal struggles and experiences – from spending my first two years at YST largely confined in the practice room in pursuit of technical proficiency, to becoming closer to who I want to be as a musician. I was glad that I mustered up the courage to make the recital one I could truly call my own; it was a real milestone in my growth as a musician.
I’ve also been pursuing animation and enjoyed being able to work on visualisations for YST’s e-Open Day 2021, the Landscapes of Souls concert, and Unmask!
The Woodwind faculty, especially Assoc Prof Zhang Jin Min and my major teacher Mr Ma Yue, have been extremely supportive throughout my four years. I’m grateful that Mr Ma Yue encouraged me even in something less conventional like adding videos for my senior recital.
I really couldn’t have done it without the support of my friends and family, especially my sister for always giving me advice even from abroad. There are too many people to thank!
Luke was there every step of the way especially when I felt overwhelmed. Jaben, Nigel, Priscilla, Benny, I-Ching, and my chamber mates Joelle and Kennis, for always making sure I was well and helping me along the way. Wei Boon, Hui Li, Shu Chen and many others for guiding me during my internship in the YST Student Life team. Lastly, my clarinet studio for always being there for me.
My Senior Recital took inspiration from a quote by Henry Van Dyke “Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best” – it took me very long to be confident of my own abilities and to believe in my own art and music because I didn’t deem it to be the best music there is. I just wished Year 1 Steph understood that music doesn’t need to be perfect to be deserving of appreciation, as long as it is done with heart.
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National University of Singapore
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