With my peers in Dr.Leigh’s homeroom, we have successfully put together an amateur band performance of Riptide, and presented it to another homeroom today morning. Three weeks ago, I was hesitant in taking up a role while others were finalizing the song. But I fell in love with Riptide the moment I heard it, and I was prompted to take up the responsibility of playing the keyboards. The downside of being unfamiliar with a popular song was that I had to spend more time at home rehearsing alone. What was even more difficult was that the children’s electric keyboard in the classroom had limited number of keys so I had to compose a one-hand piece according to the ability of the instrument. But after a few hours dedicated after school to both experimenting and practicing, I was able to get ahold of the song (LO2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process). Using the right skills, passion and a collective effort, we soon became very good at it. The performance was getting more and more refined with rehearsals during everyday homeroom sessions. It has also made us see the potential that lies in everyone that even though we have only decided to add and rehearse the bridge two times, we have done a great job in improvising the transitions (LO5: Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively).

The most direct takeaway from this experience was that I picked up piano after five years of not playing. I was overwhelmed by the joy and the familiar feelings at the tips of my fingers once I touched the keys, which made me feel glad that the seven years of trainings and hard works before I came to Sri Lanka paid off. I majored in Chinese classical and folk music back in my younger years, which taught me the skills but was not so related with the Western pop songs I am exposed to these days (LO1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth). I’m still working on regaining my proficiency, it’s very hard for me given that I don’t have the right instrument nor the time after school, but I’m grateful for this experience that redeemed my feelings of piano, and I will most definitely try my best to pick it up fully by starting with simple practices (LO4: Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences).

Looking forward to future collaborations with my amazing bandsmen! And a huge thank you to Dr.Leigh for the ideas and opportunities.