Q. What are your favourite aspects of the Arts and why?
A. My favourite aspects of the arts are music and dance. I play the piano and saxophone, both of which I enjoy very much. I’ve been doing rhythmic gymnastics since I was 7 years old, and I just started learning hip hop at school this year. I began playing the piano when I was 6 years old and started the saxophone at 11. I also really enjoy performing, drama, and theatre.
Q. What are your experiences with instrumental music and what does your practice look like?
A. Some of my experiences playing the piano include performing, where I’ve become less nervous with each performance, and I’m quite used to it now. I completed my Grade 8 piano exam last year, and I’m currently preparing for my ARSM exam and my Grade 7 Theory exam this year. I also play the saxophone, which started last year, and I’m working on my Grade 5 exam. During school days, I practice the piano for 45 minutes to an hour each day. On weekends and holidays, I practice for 1 to 2.5 hours per day. I usually practice the saxophone whenever I have free time.
Q. What are some of your favourite pieces and why?
A. Some of my favourite pieces include ‘Variations on a Theme by Paganini,’ which I played at the Concerto competition. This piece is one of my favourites because it contains many variations within one composition. Each variation is connected yet has its unique style and meaning.
Some sections are more intense, while others are calmer and more easygoing. I love this piece because it portrays many different characters in just one composition, all connected. Another piece I enjoy is Beethoven’s ‘Sonata in E major, Op. 14, No. 1.’ I appreciate all three movements because, when played together, they feel complete and interconnected. The first movement is quite expressive, fast, and energetic. The second movement is slower, tranquil, and easygoing, while the third movement is the fastest, most expressive, and articulated of them all.
Q. What are your experiences with rhythmic gymnastics and dance?
A. I am currently Level 5 in rhythmic gymnastics and am working with three apparatuses: freehand, hoop, and clubs. So far, my favourite is clubs which requires good hand coordination to perform the more difficult movements, which makes it exciting. I prefer upbeat routines as they are energetic and fun, whereas soft and slow routines can feel sadder.
I just started learning hip hop this year, and really enjoy it because the moves are cool. I want to start jazz next year because I like the dance style and want to try something new.
Q. What is your favourite thing about performing?
A. Some of my favourite things about performing and competing are how I tend to do better when I’m nervous. Every time I perform, I do better than in practice because I know I only have one chance to make it perfect. After I perform, I still have butterflies, but I can finally relax. I also enjoy watching other dancers compete because it’s really entertaining.
When I’m competing, everyone in the audience and the judges are smiling, which helps me feel less nervous and more calm. It’s especially encouraging when the audience cheers and claps loudly when you start or finish your dance. After I perform, I feel like all the hard work has paid off, and I don’t have to worry about it anymore because it’s already done.
Q. What has been your favourite Arts experience at Dio this year?
A. My favourite arts experience at Dio this year would have to be House Music. I loved how all the houses had different routines and songs, and everyone was so energetic and enthusiastic. This was my first year participating in House Music, so it was really exciting since I had never done it before. Every house was very competitive, but everyone was still really nice to the other houses. I had a lot of fun learning the dance and singing the songs, and I’m really looking forward to next year’s House Music!
Q. What other Arts groups and activities are you involved in at Dio?
A. I’m involved in several arts groups and activities at Dio, including ConcorDio, Wind Band, Rock Band, the Hip Hop Development Squad, and House Music.
Q. Finally, what are your hopes and goals for your arts journey in the future? Where would you like to be when you reach Year 13?
A. When I’m in Year 13, I hope to become an arts prefect because it offers so many opportunities. You get to learn more about the arts and share that knowledge with others. You also get to host various activities, like Arts Week. I love the arts because they have to do with dance, music, drama, and so much more. In my arts journey, I want to continue playing the piano and saxophone for as long as I can because I really enjoy both instruments. I also want to keep doing rhythmic gymnastics, as it’s my favourite activity. In the future, I hope to learn a new dance style as well. I want to stay involved in bands and orchestras because it’s so much fun to play with other people. It’s also less intimidating, and you can enjoy it with your friends.
