Chen Roujia, G11, SFLS

I commenced my musical journey with the clarinet at the age of 11, and today, I stand as a fledgling performer capable of interpreting numerous classical music pieces. The considerable duration of training has borne witness to my toil and tears, marking it as an arduous yet indelible passage.

Upon discovering that the clarinet has 17 keys and 10 sound holes, I was stupefied, my mind reeling in disbelief. The realization dawned that mastering this instrument would demand exceptional finger coordination and rapid music reading prowess. Alas, my reflexes fell short, and it seemed that I’ve got poor innate physical coordination ability, rendering my foray into learning the clarinet a monumental challenge.

Nonetheless, as the age-old adage declares, “everything comes to him who waits.” No effort, no reward. I was resolute in overcoming all obstacles to become really good at playing the clarinet. Amid the grueling process, despondency often loomed, and I teetered on the brink of emotional exhaustion. The clarinet loomed over me like a relentless foe, consuming my thoughts to the extent that I sometimes forgot to eat my meals or drink water. I became very anxious.

Yet, each joyless moment heralded a luminous dawn. Astonishingly, adversity served to enhance my abilities, guiding me towards an improved state. Following a tumultuous journey, I finally reached my long sought-after milestone.

During this long arduous journey, I participated in numerous competitions and won many victories. But the most unforgettable and cherished memory for me is still the painful bottlenecks I met and overcame. This learning experience has a pivotal role in my subsequent life, encouraging me to be brave and evolve into a better person.