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Kenneth Yuen
Cello
Learning to play music and play tennis share some similarities: both require a counterpart for responses and exchanges. These interactions are where the fun lies.
Me falling in love with the cello, is because it sobs and tells stories. It expresses strong messages and tugs my heartstrings. I only started learning to play the cello in my 40s. But it lasted for merely two years and was then halted by work. 20 years later, in my semi-retired life, I could finally put my time into good use and return to my cello practice.
After joining E Major Ensemble, I was given more opportunities to communicate, respond to and exchange ideas with members of the team. With their support, I was able to improve and move forward to the next level. I am the utmost happy whenever an audience comes up and say: “your performance is deep!” Since this is exactly the performance I wanted to deliver, such affirmation does not need any exam or certificate to prove. Even my wife can tell how much joy the instrument has brought me, no wonder she always says: “The cello suits you the best!”
Cello music is used in a wide range of occasions, from the world’s presidential inaugurations to solemn funerals. The cello inspires imagination while bringing forth joy and comfort. Cellists must understand the meaning of the piece, combine with his/her own imagination, muscle coordination and skills in order to deliver a good cello performance. When I first joined E Major Ensemble, I asked myself a lot of questions: “Am I playing on or off the key? My aging body prevent me to see properly without my two pairs of glasses, did my hearing retrograde as much as my eyesight do? Can I really do it?” I did not come to a conclusion, nor would I want a conclusion as I didn't want to limit myself to my age.
We take on different roles in different stages of life. To determine whether a performance is successful, I would only compare it with how I performed three months ago. If I had made improvement or achieved a target, no matter how little the progress is, I would be happy and satisfied.
Sometimes I sigh when I see elder people idling away their time. Retirement could create a void in people’s life, leading to self-doubts. I am lucky to have found music as my way out. I found my value in learning instrument. It proves that age has not forbidden me from acquiring new knowledge and improving myself to be a better person.
Learning to play music and play tennis share some similarities: both require a counterpart for responses and exchanges. These interactions are where the fun lies. For example, sometimes I practice on a single technique over and over again but still cannot get it right. Yet with the guidance of the conductor or advice from peer members, I can instantly grasp the essence and apply the skills while performing with the orchestra. I had come across the idea of “Late Starters Orchestra” in the Internet, this kind of orchestra was popular in Europe or the US. As much as I wanted to join, they were all too far away. To my surprise, what I was looking for was indeed so close. I was soon introduced to E Major Ensemble. I am grateful to be part of such a great, wonderful idea of elderly orchestra. I enjoy playing music with people who are at the same stage of life as I do, improving my music attainments, performing music that touches people’s heart. By doing so, I am one step closer to my dream.
In my spare time, I like to search online for more information about the cello. I listen to cellist performances from all over the world, and develop an interest in music history. Johann Sebastian Bach, for instance, one of the most significant Western musicians and my favorite composer, once served as the King’s Kapellmeister. Reading his biography allows me to understand European royal lifestyles during the middle ages. I devoted myself to work for half of my life and have become habitual to look at things from my own, a very local, point of view. Through world history, music inspires me to look at the world from a wider, more international perspective. Now with another new interest, my retired life becomes even more colorful.
My E Major Ensemble peers are always warm and thoughtful. Every week when I arrive the venue for rehearsal, the stand and seat are always laid ready. During mid-time break, members are eager to exchange ideas and seek advice from the conductor. We gradually build our seamless teamwork and move together toward a common goal. These tiny, insignificant acts are what build up the goodness in this world.