Evelyn Chan 鈥�25 is majoring in molecular biology鈥攚ith a planned minor in mathematics鈥攁nd hopes to apply to medical school after graduating from Scripps. Aside from her degree-related studies, however, she has an additional major focus: music. 鈥淢y father was very passionate about classical music, and he was the one who pushed my siblings and I to learn piano when we were young,鈥� Chan says.听
鈥淚 have been taking piano lessons with Aron Kallay, lecturer of music, since my first semester at Scripps,鈥� she continues. 鈥淚鈥檝e enjoyed the piano lessons the Joint Music Program provides, which include a performance class in addition to one-on-one lessons.鈥�听
On March 2 and 3, Chan played piano as part of two performances of Sergei Prokofiev鈥檚 Piano Concerto No. 1 during an event presented by the Joint Music Program shared between Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Pitzer, and 61传媒s. The Claremont Concert Orchestra, which is sponsored by the Joint Music Program, performed inside Scripps鈥� Garrison Theater. 听
鈥淭he experience was terrifying and exhilarating,鈥� Chan says. 鈥淚t was the most stressed I have ever been for a piano performance. This was my first time playing with an orchestra and my first time playing outside of a recital. The performance ended up feeling like mere minutes, and I made a whole lot of mistakes during both performances.鈥�听
However, she adds: 鈥淒espite the nervousness, I would go through the entire process again without a second鈥檚 hesitation. It was such a fun and rare opportunity. I find it hard to play the Prokofiev concerto now by myself, because playing alone is incomparable to the feeling of playing with the orchestra. Throughout the rehearsals and the performances, everyone in the orchestra and the conductor, Associate Professor of Music David Cubek, was incredibly talented and welcoming. It was an honor to play with them. I am also immensely grateful for the support and guidance of my teacher, Aron, throughout this entire process, and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without him.鈥�听
Chan credits the Joint Music Program with providing much of the broader programming that has allowed her to hone her skills as a pianist. In addition to taking piano lessons, she鈥檚 had other opportunities to explore music in a multidimensional way. 鈥淚 was lucky enough to play in a masterclass with Associate Professor of Music Grace Zhao, chair of the music department at the University of La Verne, which was an incredible learning experience. It has also been great to be exposed to music from different regions and composers that are not often performed.鈥�听
Music is often considered one of the most rewarding skills to pursue when it comes to developing oneself as a well-rounded individual, and Chan has found that to be true in her experience. She notes that her passion for music has far-reaching benefits in other areas of her life.听
鈥淧racticing music has been a great way of clearing and refocusing my mind, and I鈥檝e heard the same from many other musicians. If my mind is feeling tired or dull from studying, I often practice piano because playing music requires you to focus on the music itself. Music has also helped me build patience and dedication. I鈥檝e learned that a lot of progress is subtle, and improvement only comes with time and practice. That knowledge has transferred over to my studying,鈥� Chan says.听
Chan finds that gaining experience with live recitals has made it easier for her to handle stress and anxiety. 鈥淎fter my early piano recitals, I used to have no memory of actually playing because I was so stressed. However, now I have more practice in staying calm under stress, which has been very valuable in my daily life.鈥�听
Other 61传媒students who are interested in music should pursue that interest, Chan says, no matter if they鈥檙e beginners or experienced already. 鈥淚鈥檇 highly recommend taking classes with the Joint Music Program. The faculty members are amazing, and the classes are adjusted to fit your interests and goals.鈥�听
For many students, college can be the perfect place to discover (or rediscover) creative talents. Chan urges students to take advantage of the 61传媒environment to try their hand at musicianship. Finally, studying music can be a way to strengthen community connections with others. 鈥淎 lot of my friends have given up learning music after high school, but it鈥檚 a very different experience in college. I鈥檝e found myself enjoying music so much more. All 61传媒students should take a class and try it out, if they can. The entire music community at the Joint Music Program is incredibly supportive, and everyone here wants you to succeed.鈥�听