2021 - 2022
returning to a new normal
Winter 2022
Courses Taken: A A 299, CSE 333, MUHST 211, MUSEN 300, MUSEN 325, MUSIC 301, MUSIC 304, MUSICP 321
photo of pit orchestra musicians
a very unique spelling bee
I had the chance to be the pianist for StageNotes's production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" this year. Being a pit orchestra musician is something that I got to do a lot in high school, but was impossible during the pandemic. With the return to in-person activities, I was once again able to enjoy this experience. I got to play with a lot of talented students, which also showed me how different the caliber of playing is at the college level compared to high school. The week leading up to the shows was very stressful as we often rehearsed late into the night, but the thrill of being able to perform for the audience and make them laugh was very enjoyable and made me remember why I love theatre so much.
only 20 meters away
Similar to karate, archery is a sport that I've been interested in for many years but never had the chance to try. After attending an archery drop-in session, I immediately joined the club. What makes archery so fun is how simple yet difficult it is - almost anyone can pick up a bow and arrow and aim at a target, but being able to shoot accurately depends on such precise positioning. I enjoy thinking about the details of how I'm lining up my shot and how to improve my accuracy. We didn't have a coach for the club, but when I attended practices I still strived to be the most accurate I can be. I also took lots of photos to remind myself of my progress over time. Even though I've only been a member for a short while, I've already come a long way since I started.
photo of my archery shots from the 20 meter line
photo of program from the composition studio concert and the first page of the music I performed at the concert
you could call it a debut
One of my friends from high school, who now studies music composition at UW, asked me to perform his piano composition at the composition studio concert. I was happily surprised by this request, as it was my first time being asked to perform something so special, but I took on the challenge. The music was quite difficult for me, but I practiced many hours leading up to the performance and sought help from my private instructor. It was also intimidating because some of the other composers for this concert are faculty at UW, and I wasn't sure if I would be able to perform at that level as an undergraduate. However, after all my time spent practicing, the performance itself was very successful. There were some notes here that were incorrect, but I felt that I was able to clearly express the meaning behind the work. There are two primary things I took away from this experience: (1) I'm probably not cut out to be a professional solo pianist - it's not what I'm most passionate about - but regardless, (2) I have the ability to achieve what I set out and work hard to do, both within and beyond music.