Section 1 (9th to 17th May 08) - The interview at the Manhattan Country School (academic) and the audition at the Manhattan School of Music (music).
My mother, elder brother Rex and I reached New York at 9th May 08. We settled down at our friend’s house at Corona, NY.
The second day, we went to Juliet Music Centre (JMC and not Julliard Music School) to practice piano for every 12.00pm to 7.00pm.
The next day, we had a two-hour lesson with Dr. Peter Vinograde. He said that we were quite well prepared but also gave some comments to our playing.
After our lesson, he had a discussion with my mother. He said that if I am well prepared in my piano pieces during the Amati Music Festival from 6th to 27th June in New York, he will perform with me around China and in Singapore in August.
The lesson then ended as we went back home encountering a massive traffic jam!
For the next few days, we practiced piano all day until 13th May 08-the interview at the Manhattan Country School.
We arrived there at 9.30pm and met the Director of Admissions Louis Gerlernt. She toured us around the school and gave us some information of the school. In the past, the school was actually a person’s mansion. At my age, they study one extra topic-physics. They have their own farm and student stay there for five nights each year or ten nights.
After a tour of the school, they gave us a little “test”. They separated me and Rex and bringing a staff to talk with mum in another room. I did the test quite well and so do my brother.
After the interview, they said that they liked us and it is a high possibility for us to be admitted, and we went back to Juliet Music Centre (JMC) to practice piano.
The next few days were boring again as we only get to practice piano.
Soon enough, the BIG day came- 17th May 08-the audition at the Manhattan School of Music. We arrived an hour early. I had my audition at 3.00 p.m. and my brother at 3.10 p.m.
The audition is held at the Miller Recital hall at the Manhattan School of Music, a small but beautiful and grand hall with a nine-foot long Steinway & Sons grand piano on stage.
The juries (examiners in American) audited me for about 10 minutes. I felt very hot and sweaty at first as there were more than nine juries. I played Rondo Capriccioso op. 14 by Mendelssohn.
When I finished the piece, the jurors seemed to be impressed and stunned. The supposedly “main” juror even praised me with, “Well done!” smiling. After the audition, I was covered with sweat.
My brother played quite well too. After the audition, we were very happy and mum planned to give us a play day tomorrow!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
ZhongSin International Piano Competition (2nd and 9th of May 08)...First!!!
5th February 2008
On this morning, my brother, my mother and I woke up and both of us went to prepare for the ZhongSin International Piano Competition at 5.00 p.m. At 4.15 p.m. we wore our performance clothes and headed to the ZhongSin International Piano Competition in mum's car.
When we reached our destination, it was not our turn yet as the Open Category competitors were performing. However, we were allowed to sit and watch at our competition venue. It was a medium-sized hall with a Steinway&Sons grand piano on the stage. There were a lot of people watching too. But the worst thing is that there were about 6 judges! Luckily one of them was my piano teacher Ms. Gan Xun.
While we were waiting, I suddenly felt like going to the toilet to poo (I do not know a better word). After I finished my toilet business, it came to my turn!
I was so nervous but at the same time, I am also confident as my pieces were already well prepared. I performed two pieces which were the 1st Movement from Mozart’s Sonata no.6 in D K. 284 (ABRSM Diploma for performance piece) and November from Tchaikovsky’s The Seasons op.37b (performance level piece).
After my performance, everybody clapped loudly. After that, it was my brother’s turn and he played wonderfully too. After our performance, we went back home hoping to receive good news.
9th February 2008
The next afternoon, our piano teacher told us that both of us got 1st in place and we scored extremely high and were invited to perform at their prize-giving ceremony at 9th Feb 08 held at the Lee Foundation Recital Hall beside the Nanyang School of Fine Arts!!! We were so happy but also prepared even more for the performance.
The day came as we wore our performance costumes. The event was held at 7.00 p.m. The performances came first before the prize-giving. We were 2nd to perform.
My turn came as I felt very nervous. I played the same piece (the 1st movt of Mozart’s sonata). Still, when I finished my piece, everyone seem to clap for me most. My brother came next. His playing was great but he ended his good performance with a wrong note!
The prize-giving ceremony came. It was a whole mix-up! Firstly, we did not go onto the stage to get our prize. Secondly, the trophies had wrong names on them!! When they realized the mistake, they took back the prizes and said that we will collect them on another day.
After the ceremony, we went back home to get our reward from mum. Such a happy and funny day.
On this morning, my brother, my mother and I woke up and both of us went to prepare for the ZhongSin International Piano Competition at 5.00 p.m. At 4.15 p.m. we wore our performance clothes and headed to the ZhongSin International Piano Competition in mum's car.
When we reached our destination, it was not our turn yet as the Open Category competitors were performing. However, we were allowed to sit and watch at our competition venue. It was a medium-sized hall with a Steinway&Sons grand piano on the stage. There were a lot of people watching too. But the worst thing is that there were about 6 judges! Luckily one of them was my piano teacher Ms. Gan Xun.
While we were waiting, I suddenly felt like going to the toilet to poo (I do not know a better word). After I finished my toilet business, it came to my turn!
I was so nervous but at the same time, I am also confident as my pieces were already well prepared. I performed two pieces which were the 1st Movement from Mozart’s Sonata no.6 in D K. 284 (ABRSM Diploma for performance piece) and November from Tchaikovsky’s The Seasons op.37b (performance level piece).
After my performance, everybody clapped loudly. After that, it was my brother’s turn and he played wonderfully too. After our performance, we went back home hoping to receive good news.
9th February 2008
The next afternoon, our piano teacher told us that both of us got 1st in place and we scored extremely high and were invited to perform at their prize-giving ceremony at 9th Feb 08 held at the Lee Foundation Recital Hall beside the Nanyang School of Fine Arts!!! We were so happy but also prepared even more for the performance.
The day came as we wore our performance costumes. The event was held at 7.00 p.m. The performances came first before the prize-giving. We were 2nd to perform.
My turn came as I felt very nervous. I played the same piece (the 1st movt of Mozart’s sonata). Still, when I finished my piece, everyone seem to clap for me most. My brother came next. His playing was great but he ended his good performance with a wrong note!
The prize-giving ceremony came. It was a whole mix-up! Firstly, we did not go onto the stage to get our prize. Secondly, the trophies had wrong names on them!! When they realized the mistake, they took back the prizes and said that we will collect them on another day.
After the ceremony, we went back home to get our reward from mum. Such a happy and funny day.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
In Beijing
We returned to Singapore from Beijing on 31st of December 2007. This trip in Beijing is very successful.
Secretary Zhu Hong (Beijing Arts & Crafts Association), Director Wu Ying (Head of Piano Department, Central Conservatory of Music), Dr. Bai Geng Sheng (Federal Member of China Arts Council, Secretariat Secretary) heard me and my brother play the piano on 30th Dec 2007.
Secretary Zhu wrote to my mother a letter :'I had the pleasure of attending the tea reception conducted by the two youngsters and was greatly moved by its great success...It is my sincere hope and belief that these two kids will make greater achievements in their studies and that they will progress to be successful professionals.'
Director Wu Ying said, ‘Congratulations on these two little friends' perfect performance. Though it is common practice for the parents in China to make great contributions to their children, it came as a pleasant surprise to see overseas compatriots share the spirit .I wish you all the best.'
Dr. Bai praised: ‘As for Chung Yee brothers, they have been progressing at a remarkable pace and can be truly said as “Arts Genius”. Their genius lies not only in itself but also in their characters. They have demonstrated a super faculty understanding and have come to realize the true meaning of art. In the Chinese world, this is the first time I have learned that brothers of merely 9 and 13 have been both enrolled by Manhattan School of Music. I extend to you my sincere congratulations and firmly hope that you will do credit to the motherland.'
Secretary Zhu Hong (Beijing Arts & Crafts Association), Director Wu Ying (Head of Piano Department, Central Conservatory of Music), Dr. Bai Geng Sheng (Federal Member of China Arts Council, Secretariat Secretary) heard me and my brother play the piano on 30th Dec 2007.
Secretary Zhu wrote to my mother a letter :'I had the pleasure of attending the tea reception conducted by the two youngsters and was greatly moved by its great success...It is my sincere hope and belief that these two kids will make greater achievements in their studies and that they will progress to be successful professionals.'
Director Wu Ying said, ‘Congratulations on these two little friends' perfect performance. Though it is common practice for the parents in China to make great contributions to their children, it came as a pleasant surprise to see overseas compatriots share the spirit .I wish you all the best.'
Dr. Bai praised: ‘As for Chung Yee brothers, they have been progressing at a remarkable pace and can be truly said as “Arts Genius”. Their genius lies not only in itself but also in their characters. They have demonstrated a super faculty understanding and have come to realize the true meaning of art. In the Chinese world, this is the first time I have learned that brothers of merely 9 and 13 have been both enrolled by Manhattan School of Music. I extend to you my sincere congratulations and firmly hope that you will do credit to the motherland.'
Saturday, December 15, 2007
To Beijing
On 22nd December 2007, my mother, brother and I will go to Beijing to have a lesson with professor Zhao Pinguo, from China National Music Conservatory. We will also meet Dr. Bai Gengsheng, General Secretary of the China National Arts Council and Dr. Wu Yanzhe, Chairman of China Musicians Council. We will request Dr. Wu Yanzhe and professor Zhao Pinguo to write another letter about me for more support of my Singapore scholarship and discuss with Dr. Bai Gengsheng about our next piano concert in 2008.
In New York
On 28th November 2007, In New York, my mother drove my elder brother Rex Wei and I to have an audition in the Calhoun School.
When we reached there, the Director of admissions Nancy Sherman toured us around the school. Nancy old but elegant lady, very educated and kind. She showed us that the school has 8 floors and has a roof garden. Each floor is fully carpeted. Each floor has about 900 square meters. The school educates students in all areas. To achieve that, Nancy showed us that the school provides an indoor basketball field and a sports room, a small indoor theatre, music rooms, art rooms, science labs, chemistry classes, biology classes, physics classes, a photography studio, societies, history classes, a cafeteria and lots more. Classes have no doors between them. Some classes are separated by a sheet of cardboard. I noticed that a major technological initiative has begun in Calhoun: most classes have a type of big tablet screen the size of a white board called SmartBoardTMs, which have functions like computerized white boards, allowing traditional note taking with the added advantages of full—screen audio and visual and internet capabilities. Tables are arranged in a circle and each class only has 12-15 students.
The school includes primary, secondary and junior college areas. The school teachers understands students very well and finds out methods of letting students learn more quickly, through experience and discovery. They teach students to be thinkers. Most junior college students from Calhoun School were admitted to top universities even Harvard University. Nancy then brought us to a small building just beside the Calhoun School to know more about us. She gave my brother and me a small paper with questions about our personality. While we do the paper, Nancy talked to my mother. My mother gave her my brother and my profile books.
After the whole audition, Nancy was very satisfied by both of us but she said that the school’s space is very limited and little and cannot go beyond its capacity. She then gave us a website address to look for space from 285 independent schools.
On 2nd December 2007, we went to the Manhattan School of Music, New York to have a lesson with a world class professor and pianist Peter Vinograde. This lesson with him will decide the 1st stage of my admittance to the Manhattan School of Music.
The school occupies a whole building of about 5 floors and each floor has about 600m2. The school has recital studios, café, a concert hall, a theatre and beautifully decorated from inside. It is one of the top 3 music schools in the world. When he brought us into his piano studio, we saw two Stienway&Sons grand pianos. They were about 5 .3 feet long. The lesson was wonderful and it was a success. After the lesson, he praised: William is an exceptionally talented young man, with innate musicality and tremendous potential. In addition to the excellent facility and clarity in his passagework, William showed off other aspects of his technique in the Troika from Tchaikovsky’s Seasons, which he played with great panache. He is a serious worker, showing careful attention to the details of the Mozart Sonata in D, K. 284. He has a highly musical and sensitive mind, combined with lively rhythmic drive and great enthusiasm.
At the end of the lesson, Peter Vinograde felt that he should write a letter about my piano skills and status to Singapore National Art Council to support my application for scholarship for my music study in New York.
With the high commendation from Dr. Peter Vinograde of Manhattan School of Music and Nancy Sherman from Calhoun School, I am certainly sure that my brother and I will be admitted to the schools I decided in New York.
After another week in New York, we have returned from New York in 10th December 2007 morning.
In May 2008, I will go to New York again to have the audition in the Manhattan School of Music.
When we reached there, the Director of admissions Nancy Sherman toured us around the school. Nancy old but elegant lady, very educated and kind. She showed us that the school has 8 floors and has a roof garden. Each floor is fully carpeted. Each floor has about 900 square meters. The school educates students in all areas. To achieve that, Nancy showed us that the school provides an indoor basketball field and a sports room, a small indoor theatre, music rooms, art rooms, science labs, chemistry classes, biology classes, physics classes, a photography studio, societies, history classes, a cafeteria and lots more. Classes have no doors between them. Some classes are separated by a sheet of cardboard. I noticed that a major technological initiative has begun in Calhoun: most classes have a type of big tablet screen the size of a white board called SmartBoardTMs, which have functions like computerized white boards, allowing traditional note taking with the added advantages of full—screen audio and visual and internet capabilities. Tables are arranged in a circle and each class only has 12-15 students.
The school includes primary, secondary and junior college areas. The school teachers understands students very well and finds out methods of letting students learn more quickly, through experience and discovery. They teach students to be thinkers. Most junior college students from Calhoun School were admitted to top universities even Harvard University. Nancy then brought us to a small building just beside the Calhoun School to know more about us. She gave my brother and me a small paper with questions about our personality. While we do the paper, Nancy talked to my mother. My mother gave her my brother and my profile books.
After the whole audition, Nancy was very satisfied by both of us but she said that the school’s space is very limited and little and cannot go beyond its capacity. She then gave us a website address to look for space from 285 independent schools.
On 2nd December 2007, we went to the Manhattan School of Music, New York to have a lesson with a world class professor and pianist Peter Vinograde. This lesson with him will decide the 1st stage of my admittance to the Manhattan School of Music.
The school occupies a whole building of about 5 floors and each floor has about 600m2. The school has recital studios, café, a concert hall, a theatre and beautifully decorated from inside. It is one of the top 3 music schools in the world. When he brought us into his piano studio, we saw two Stienway&Sons grand pianos. They were about 5 .3 feet long. The lesson was wonderful and it was a success. After the lesson, he praised: William is an exceptionally talented young man, with innate musicality and tremendous potential. In addition to the excellent facility and clarity in his passagework, William showed off other aspects of his technique in the Troika from Tchaikovsky’s Seasons, which he played with great panache. He is a serious worker, showing careful attention to the details of the Mozart Sonata in D, K. 284. He has a highly musical and sensitive mind, combined with lively rhythmic drive and great enthusiasm.
At the end of the lesson, Peter Vinograde felt that he should write a letter about my piano skills and status to Singapore National Art Council to support my application for scholarship for my music study in New York.
With the high commendation from Dr. Peter Vinograde of Manhattan School of Music and Nancy Sherman from Calhoun School, I am certainly sure that my brother and I will be admitted to the schools I decided in New York.
After another week in New York, we have returned from New York in 10th December 2007 morning.
In May 2008, I will go to New York again to have the audition in the Manhattan School of Music.
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