When I was young, I had always envied my classmates who had the chance to learn playing musical instruments. Music seemed to have played a part in my fate – later in life I met my wife, who happened to be a piano instructor. Every night when I got home from work, I could enjoy her relaxing classical music. My interest in music has grown stronger and stronger over time. Until recent years, my burden of taking care of the family was lessened, which allowed me to finally pursue my long-hidden music dream. What's more unexpected is, music even takes my marriage to the next level. It is honeymoon all over again – our minds are once again young, we have endless topics to talk about, our souls are more connected than ever.

I started my music journey as a 'substitution'. I planned to apply for a course organized by the Music Office but missed the deadline. To ease my disappointment, I realized they had a substitution system – if anyone dropped out, people on the waiting list could fill in. Luck was on my side, someone really dropped out before the course started and I took his place in the saxophone class. Afterwards, I took a step further and joined the group performance class, where I practiced and learned with my classmates, and together we appreciated the unique charm of saxophone.

My wife who is always open to new challenges also took up a new instrument – the cello. Last year we both became members of the TWGHs E Major Ensemble, it was like going back to high school. Every Thursday we attend the rehearsal; at home we practice regularly with discipline; music has become an indispensable part of our lives. In order to further improve my skills, I started taking one-on-one saxophone tutorials. My tutor carefully corrects my mistakes, showing me the correct body posture, fingering and playing techniques. To be honest, I am nothing more than a beginner in saxophone and my progress of learning is slow, yet thanks to the weekly guidance from my patient tutor, I am able to understand my weaknesses, hence spend more time to work on those specific areas. With a solid foundation, I can coordinate better with other members in the orchestra to achieve the best standard as a whole.

I am grateful to see progress in my journey of learning music, but excited to have developed a common interest with my wife. We both began a new adventure in our retirement life, we learn new things together, develop common interest together, and become each other’s spiritual support in this adventure. We are fortunate enough to be admitted to the E Major Ensemble together. Apart from practicing with the team, we also go to concerts arranged by the ensemble.