How much I can learn in One Summer?

By Virginia Yan
September 15, 2007

During the summer of 2007, our regular lesson on Saturdays turned into as Ms. Liu Weishan (劉維姍)/Teacher calls it, ‘Summer Camp’. That would include Saturdays and Wednesdays for our weekly lessons. Throughout this summer, Teacher was giving us an extra lesson. After the long busy day, teacher still stayed up late until 11 pm helping us, the “Six Golden Flowers” (六朵金花), improve. Teacher had support and great enthusiasm for us; therefore I’d like to thank her for generously offering us an extra lesson. Thank you Teacher!

Every Wednesday of the summer, I would arrive at Teacher’s house at around 6:30 pm. I listened to our teammates, the “Six Golden Flowers”, play their solo; and their comments on good techniques and parts they could improve on. After learning new techniques or pieces, I must practice it again and again making it fluent without any mistakes. Later on, I have to play it with my feelings. That would include the crescendos and decrescendos.

At home, I practiced on the part that I needed to improve. I practiced 3 to 4 hours a day to make sure each note sounds right. From playing the pieces over and over again, I improved on my body movement and increased my feelings. Sometimes, I played for my mom when she cames back from work. She found my improvement when she listened to me. I was very happy.

During other lessons, we would decide which group piece we’d like to play. ‘Colors of the Wind’ (彩色的風) and ‘Three Years’ (三年) are some of the new songs we learned over the summer. When we practiced as a group, I remembered what teacher had mentioned before. She said that each of us had to do the same feeling and body movement. Although, we were six girls, we needed to show as one was playing the music. We worked as a team and cooperated with each other. That was the most important thing I learned.

Each time I went to performances such as at senior centers or private parties, I always got the audiences to applaud for me. After the performance, some of them came and complimented me on my playing. They prized my beautiful music and were surprised that I could play such high quality music at this very young age. Some of them even recognized my face and knew my name. I knew my music gave them lots of joy. I could tell from their cheerful faces that I had improved a lot. I really appreciate Teacher for teaching me so much during this summer.

I’d also like to thank my big brother, Eric Yan, for helping to put all of our performances on DVD’s and putting my solo piece, Jin Gong Mountain (井崗山上太阳红), on Youtube! Thanks Eric!

Over the summer, I’ve not only learned gu-zheng music, but also how to be a successful musician. I love you Teacher!!!

My Second Gu-zheng Competition

By Virginia Yan
July 20, 2007

"Do you want to compete as a group? You can play Battling the Typhoon and Ye Lai Xiang". Ms. Liu Wei Shan, our Teacher, asked my group and our parents as we prepared for the competition in San Jose.

Looking up at her, we all exclaimed, "Yes!"

The competition was on Saturday and we didn't have much time to prepare. Usually Saturdays were for our weekly lessons, but sometimes we would come again on Wednesdays or Fridays to practice more. Teacher required everyone to come on Wednesday and Friday. She did this to boost up our confidence, also to show us her great support and enthusiasm. So we did.

The big day finally came, everybody had arrived at the Civic Auditorium and we were quietly tuning our instruments. Then we all began to warm our fingers up. Soon the competition started.

A lady dressed in all black went on stage clearing her throat loudly, getting everyone's attention; holding a white piece of paper in her left hand. Silence fell in the room. As she began to speak in Mandarin, everyone's eyes looked at the lady as if she was controlling them with her magical powers. We were sitting at the side of the auditorium wishing the lady could speak louder instead of her mumbling voice. The competition had started. We were all sitting calmly waiting for our turn.

After the group before us was done, it was finally our turn to wake the judges. Moments before we went on stage, we told each other 'good luck' as we usually do. Then we had to hurry and line up.

The lady dressed in black was done announcing, the audience began to clap, and we walked proudly on stage. First in line was Belinda Yan, my older sister, then Regina Ngo, second oldest of the group. After Regina would be Elsie Woo, the second youngest. Next would be me, the youngest, then Celina To, and Wanda Wang. Celina is the third oldest and Wanda is the oldest of the group members. We all looked like young professionals ready to perform. Showing respect for the judges, I led the bow and we all bowed together. Also, every time we got on stage, we had to tune our gu-zhengs softly with our ears. Then when everyone was done tuning, the two people in the front would lead the song. Just like what we did at the competition. The two people in the front were Elsie and I.

At last, everyone was done competing; they began to announce the winners. We WON!! We, 'The Six Golden Flowers' brought home the first place trophy. I thank Teacher for this wonderful opportunity and to thank her for getting us this far.

Little Little, 11