Credit: Rachel Lei

Join WSPN’s Karis Tam as she interviews senior Rachel Lei.

Join WSPN’s Karis Tam as she talks to senior Rachel Lei about her journey as a musician.

What instrument do you play?

I play the violin.

Why did you start playing your instrument?

I started playing the violin because one of my sister’s friends inspired me. I went to her concerts and recitals, and in first grade, I began learning violin with her through the Practice Partner Program. At the time, I also played the piano, and I wanted to pick up another instrument. After learning violin with her for around a year, she recommended that I start private lessons with her teacher. I really enjoyed playing violin and making music, so I decided to keep learning throughout middle school and high school.

What groups do you play with and why do you like playing for them?

I am a member of the Honors Sinfonia Orchestra at Wayland High School and the Youth Symphony in the Rivers Youth Orchestra program. I enjoy playing in the school orchestra because it’s fun making music with my friends who play different instruments, and it is a nice break from my academic classes during the day. Similarly, I like playing in the RYO Youth Symphony because I’ve made so many memories with the other members (who are from different towns) at rehearsals and concerts, and also because I like that the pieces we play are more challenging.

What is your favorite memory of playing your instrument?

My favorite memory of playing the violin is during this past summer when I played in a string quintet with some of my orchestra friends. We formed the group ourselves, rehearsed together and performed mini recitals at a Veterans Affair Medical Center. I had so much fun learning classical and some pop music as a group and also interacting with the veterans.

What is your favorite type of music and why?

My favorite genre of music to play is classical because the different pieces within the genre have styles that extend over a very wide range. For example, one of my pieces would be very gentle and lullaby-like while another piece would be very powerful and majestic.

What is a piece of advice you would give to younger students that are just starting the violin?

Don’t be discouraged if your playing doesn’t sound perfect at the start. It’s very hard to produce a smooth sound when you pick up an instrument for the first time. You will start to see improvements after practicing and getting more comfortable with the violin day by day. Consistency and patience is key, so keep practicing.