Life surrounded by music

Tang Cheuk-wa, who plays in her school's string orchestra and choir, says music builds bridges between people from different countries. Cheuk-wa's dream is to be a conductor.

Music builds bridges between people from different countries who speak different languages, says Tang Cheuk-wa.

'It enhances cultural exchanges between people from different backgrounds. Music has also enriched my life. When I was five years old, I played the role of Molly in the musical Annie. In 2007, I attended a violin master class in Vienna, Austria. The same year, I sang in the Forbidden City with the Metropolitan Youth Choir and received training at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing.

'I met people from different parts of the world, and we shared our passion for music. I also play in my school's string orchestra and choir. I have a wonderful school life, surrounded by music.

'I have been fortunate to enjoy concerts by different orchestras. My dream is to become a conductor. Yip Wing-sie, of the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, is one of my favourite conductors. It is not an easy job for a female. She is like a magician with her baton and gives clear instructions to the musicians.

'Yip has done some remarkable work as she strives to promote classical music to different audiences. I was very lucky to interview her three years ago on an RTHK programme.

'She is a very nice person and told me what I should do if I wanted to become a conductor.

'I really wish I will get another chance to talk to her. I hope my dream of becoming a conductor will come true.'

Emi Chan is a multi-talented musician

Emi is fascinated by the piano's rich sounds, while Cheuk-wa talks about her passion for music.

Emi Chan suggests to all her schoolmates they learn to play a musical instrument, because music has an amazing power to bring people from different cultures together.

'I think you should learn to play the piano because you will be fascinated by its wide range of tones and pitches compared to other instruments. When I play the piano, I feel the music running through my body.

'Sometimes I feel like my right hand and left hand are talking to each other so as to create a well-balanced harmony. Playing the piano is like drawing a picture because you are free to try different ideas until you come up with your own version.

'Once you become interested in an instrument, you will get more opportunities to learn other instruments. Whether Western or Chinese, there's a lot of interesting musical instruments for you to choose. While learning to play an instrument, you can discover more about its origins and culture.

'Music cannot be separated from us. Learning music brings joy to people. Therefore, I would like to share the amazing power of music with my schoolmates.'

The Arts Ambassadors-in-School Scheme is organised by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council. It encourages students to take their passion for the arts beyond the campus and into the wider community. The ambassadors will take part in a series of arts programmes during the school holidays.

Learn more about the Arts Ambassadors-in-School Scheme here