Christmas is approaching for the Bears, which means there are only a few days left until the Winter Music concert! For many students under the Mountain, music is an integral part of their Berkshire career and experience. As a member of the chamber music ensemble, I would like to highlight various student voices in this ensemble, so the broader school community can hear their thoughts on what it’s like to pursue music with Dr.Wu!
Starting off, we have our freshman Claire Yoon. As a freshman trying to make new friends, navigate her classes, and get to know her teachers, Claire appreciates chamber music class, for it is an opportunity to release stress and embrace both care-free fun and self-expression. She loves playing music with others because it’s a way of communicating without talking, but with beautiful notes instead. Claire Yoon is inspired by the holiday spirit and hopes to rehearse a Christmas pop medley with the ensemble for the entire school to enjoy.
Toby Huang, a current junior and a two year veteran (and counting) of chamber music has a passion for being in the chamber ensemble. Toby likes working with others and seeing one another improve together. Toby displays tremendous leadership, helping the whole ensemble play to the best of their abilities. Just like Claire Yoon, he thinks of chamber music class as a time to let go of the stresses of academic classes and focus solely on making inspiring music. For our winter concert, Toby wants to play “The Nutcracker Overture” as it is a classical piece that will help the Berkshire community dive into the jolly season of December!
Mia Vargas, another two-year member, shares her experience with playing the flute in chamber music class. Mia is able to express herself through exploring various types of music and in learning to play many different pieces. Along with Claire and Toby, Mia finds immense value in the power of teamwork and the rewarding feeling of polishing a piece together or overcoming an obstacle as a group. When she feels lost or confused in the music, she relies on her fellow musicians to help her get back on track. For this year’s Christmas concert, Mia would love to play “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” or “Carol of the Bells” because they are cut into several sections we can pick from and play!
Finally, we have our two seniors, Thomas Fiske and Kirill Lee, who both have described their decision to participate in this class as incredibly meaningful and defining of their four years at Berkshire. Both of them remark on the uniqueness of this class because it is an elective, which leads people to join the class out of their own passion for music. Because of the tight relationships students form within the small group, most people tend to stay in the ensemble until they graduate. This sense of community is truly powerful. Thomas believes the class’s unique culture, built on long-term relationships and dedication to group improvement makes the group special. Kirill also mentions that playing music with his friends has helped him to reduce stress and embrace the joy of music. It is going to be difficult for the class to lose two musicians to graduation and the class hopes these two seniors understand their big positive impact on the ensemble.
I agree with every statement that Claire, Toby, and Mia have said about chamber music class. For me, it is a time where I continually feel welcomed and a sense of belonging. When we step into our classroom, I notice a mood shift among my peers instantly. Their smiles grow throughout the course of the class. I am never afraid or embarrassed to make mistakes in this class because I know that they will support me.
I wish all the Bears good luck in the next two weeks leading up to Winter Break. Remember to show up to the music concert on December 8th in Allen Theater!
