Music can be described in many words and phrases. But in APAC Orchestra, one can only describe it as music at its maximum potential.
On a chilly mid-November day of polluted Shanghai, we left for AISG (American International School of Guangzhou), hoping for a change of weather. What we arrived in is perhaps best described as summer in its peak form—not that it’s a good thing. Pretty much what I remember is navigating through that labyrinth of a school under the scorching sun until all the energy was drained out of me. Exhausted, I was finally paired with a home stay and greeted with an hour and a half on the bus to the heart of Guangzhou.
But my story does indeed get better.
The next day, we arrived at a gym for the orchestra. Luckily they had set up extra acoustic housing to help with the sound issues. Immediately, the journey to harmonious excellence began.
The day was split into long hours of practicing and occasional breaks. Surprisingly, the practice did not get tedious to me, especially compared to what I experienced on the first day. Our guest conductor, Peter Stark, previously conductor of the London Symphony, shared with us some of his own personal orchestra techniques such as pizzicato. Working in sectionals really helped bond a few of us together.
Days passed by like this, and eventually, all of APAC Orchestra came to an end in the finale, the pinnacle of what we’d learned. About 200 parents and children came to see us, and we exhibited our finest performance. APAC Orchestra not only taught me the art of music, but it also taught me how to persevere through the fatigue of working towards a goal. Despite the forgivable downsides, APAC Orchestra taught me mellifluous resonance and what music truly is.
Max Tsiang
