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Cecilia Chan
Flute
The limitless world of music ignites my curiosity and brings along endless fun.
Learning to play a musical instrument is like preparing a double-stewed soup. You need time and patience to bring out the best flavors of the ingredients. It is the same for music. It takes time for one to practice, polish and progress to finally perform moving melodies that lingers in the audience’s heart. I only started learning playing the flute after retirement. Given the short time, my skills are for sure not mature enough. Yet I persist in practicing every day, and was lucky enough to become part of TWGHs E Major Ensemble, taking part-time music night courses. I indulge myself completely in the process of boiling this double-stewed soup of music, and am looking forward to the day when the flavors sink in.
I studied music theory at a young age but lacked the chance to put it in use. After my retirement, I hoped to put what I learned into application, so I decided to learn playing the piano.
However, my hands just refused to coordinate and I am forced to stop there. I gave much thought to it afterwards: I used to learn playing the harmonica with my husband, and I am all along a member of choir, perhaps I should try a wind instrument, it should be easier for me to control my breath rhythm. I am glad to have made such wise decision instead of giving up when facing obstacles. In September 2015, I joined the Music Office’s Outreach Interest Class Programme and learned to play the flute. I found the instrument suits me well. Last year, I was admitted to E Major Ensemble and started one-on-one training with my tutor. Despite his young age, my tutor has twenty-some years of experience in playing the flute since he was nine. I learned from him with a humble heart and successfully passed the third grade exam earlier this year. This is certainly an important milestone in my music journey.
Arm fatigue however, is my greatest challenge in learning the flute. When I first started, the flute weighted like an elephant that I could not continue more than five minutes without a break. So I trained my arm muscles too, step by step. Now I can practice the flute for over an hour. With regular stretching and muscle relaxation exercises, I have overcome the challenge of physical fatigue and tiredness of playing the flute.
E Major Ensemble has also broadened my horizon in the field of music. In our weekly rehearsals, I learn to appreciate the different yet all amazing string and percussion music from my fellow members. Among them, our eldest member, Leung Pai, inspires me most. Despite his old age of 86, he remains energetic and passionate for the violin all the time. He encourages me to put my health and time in good use, and be open to always learning new things.
I passed by a musical instrument store one day, there was a long queue for pop concert tickets. Among them were many middle age people. I realized there are indeed many people of my age who love music. Music is a universal language. I believe those who like pop music would also enjoy classical and traditional musical performances. I hoped to introduce to them different kinds of concerts that hold on a regular monthly basis, so their life can be filled with the fun of music while waiting for their idols’ yearly concerts. I also suddenly realized how lucky I am, for E Major Ensemble offers us free concert tickets from time to time, so I get to perform as a musician and appreciate as an audience. I believe this is complementary to my learning of the flute.
The limitless world of music ignites my curiosity. Apart from joining the ensemble and going to concerts, I also become a student once again. I am once more taking the part-time music night class where I learn the history, evolution and development of music. Music brings along endless fun that fills up my retirement life. I hope in the future decades, I can still play the flute every day and be indulged in the joy of music.