Never did I realize how an old piano in a crowded mall in a country far from home could effect me and the people around me. In the summer of 2005, my family went to the Philippines to visit my mother’s family, who lived in Bagiou City. During our one month stay there, my brother and I were asked by the local music school to perform a classical piano recital in the mall. At first, I was a little hesitant. The middle of mega mall is not a traditional venue for a classical music concert. Yet, as I thought about it some more, I decided I would do it. The Filipino people are not very familiar with classical music, caring more for the traditional pop music. Our concert could be an opportunity to introduce them to the music of the masters.
Soon other people found out about our recital. We were asked by a Christian school to come one day and play for the students there. My brother and I agreed. The students enjoyed the recital, and the principal asked us to return on Sunday night to play for the church. We were also asked to perform at a Chinese Baptist church that my grandmother attended. I was not aware of their request until my grandmother informed me the day before. The congregation at that church was a wonderful audience. They listened attentively and I could tell that they really appreciated the music. My uncle who lived in the capital city, Manila, came to watch our recitals. He was so pleased that he arranged to have us play the next week in Manila.
I knew that in order for people to really enjoy the performance, they must be able to connect with the pieces. So, my brother and I learned several piano duets. I made sure that they would be ones with recognizable tunes, so some people would be familiar with them. Furthermore, I did some research on each of the composers and pieces that we would be playing. I then wrote out program notes so that the people listening could better appreciate the music. I also planned and arranged the whole program from beginning to end, trying to find the best sequence for better listening.
There were several challenges involved with these recitals. First of all, I had not been learning my pieces for a very long time. So, I had to quickly memorize them, polish them, and relearn some other ones. Also, the pianos at the school and the church were only upright pianos. Some were in very poor condition. But, I was still willing to play on them, even though it was rather difficult. Performing at the mall posed a different type of challenge. The mall was full of the noises of thousands of people and hundreds of vendors. We had to perform right in the middle of all that. All the noise and the movement could be very distracting; I almost decided not to perform because of that. However, I realized that I was performing not for my own pleasure, but to benefit the people listening. If just one person could be touched by my music, I would be satisfied.
This experience affected me personally, because I learned not to be so focused on myself and my comforts. If I had been too absorbed with wanting the best piano and the best venue, I would have forfeited an opportunity for another to listen to and enjoy music. I also realized the profound effects that music can have on people. One of my uncles was particularly touched by our playing. Several of my relatives after watching us desired to begin piano lessons. It is my desire to continue to share my music with my community. I hope to continue my studies in music and to use it in the fields of performing and education.
I was glad that I was able to use my music to make a difference in the lives of other people. Robert Kennedy once wrote: “What happens to the country, to the world, depends on what we do with what others have left us.” The composers of the past have given us a wealth of wonderful music. I want to keep their music alive by sharing them with others. The musical state of the next generation depends on the young musicians of this generation.