By Clara Chalmers
Four years ago the Tongs lugged their mountainous, hulking grand piano from Shanghai, China to their new home in Canada. Needles to say, the transit was onerous, and, to an outsider, un-befitting of the effort. Although all family members were music lovers, only one played an instrument, and those unacquainted with the Tongs would think it much less painless to purchase a suitable piano at their destination. Yet that musical individual happened to be Jeannine, a Collingwood student and piano aficionado worthy of Carnegie Hall.
In 2003, when she was four years of age, her mother picked her up from kindergarten and informed her of a surprise waiting for her at home. Following a ineffectual guessing-game proposing dolls, books, and other trinkets typical of a toddler, Jeanine was disappointed to find a strange artifact called “piano.” However, Her mother, a devoted music lover, patiently introduced the different keys and beautiful sounds that, that when handled correctly, the instrument could emit. For the next thirteen years, Jeanine honed her abilities, which included picking up other melodious talents, such as the flute and the nurturing of her vocal prowess. Utter dedication was, however, a challenge, particularly when adopting academics, swimming, and golf in into her meterier, all of which were supplementary to a increasingly chaotic school timetable. Yet, guided by her ever dutiful mother, Jeanine persisted, developing a preeminent work ethic and enthusiasm for challenges. As result, she has participated in a medley of contests, gaining a drive to practice when results were dissastificatry, and a wealth of awards peaking with a memorable recital at Carnegie Hall.
Four years ago the Tongs lugged their mountainous, hulking grand piano from Shanghai, China to their new home in Canada. Needles to say, the transit was onerous, and, to an outsider, un-befitting of the effort. Although all family members were music lovers, only one played an instrument, and those unacquainted with the Tongs would think it much less painless to purchase a suitable piano at their destination. Yet that musical individual happened to be Jeannine, a Collingwood student and piano aficionado worthy of Carnegie Hall.
In 2003, when she was four years of age, her mother picked her up from kindergarten and informed her of a surprise waiting for her at home. Following a ineffectual guessing-game proposing dolls, books, and other trinkets typical of a toddler, Jeanine was disappointed to find a strange artifact called “piano.” However, Her mother, a devoted music lover, patiently introduced the different keys and beautiful sounds that, that when handled correctly, the instrument could emit. For the next thirteen years, Jeanine honed her abilities, which included picking up other melodious talents, such as the flute and the nurturing of her vocal prowess. Utter dedication was, however, a challenge, particularly when adopting academics, swimming, and golf in into her meterier, all of which were supplementary to a increasingly chaotic school timetable. Yet, guided by her ever dutiful mother, Jeanine persisted, developing a preeminent work ethic and enthusiasm for challenges. As result, she has participated in a medley of contests, gaining a drive to practice when results were dissastificatry, and a wealth of awards peaking with a memorable recital at Carnegie Hall.
Jeanine has also recently passed Royal Conservatory of Music grade ten with flying colors, and has been consequently deemed worthy of a honorary performance. These substantial triumphs can be pinpointed, according to her, on the dynamics highlighted in each rendition of each piece of music. Without such details, a piece can never truly reach an audience and convey the intended message. A composer exemplifying this quality is the infamous Mozart, Jeanine's musical idol and familiar fixture within her home.
This distinct, and indubitably unique, pianist was played by her cradle in the place of a nursery hymn, inspiring a sense of familiarity, and unusual solace when, say, catching a couple of versions of Symphony No. 4, or picking out some notes from Don Giovanni. Mozart’s ability to compose is an accomplishment Jeanine aspires to, and, as way of challenging herself, she hopes to take up. Various friends have already attempted the feat, and she imagines that writing accompanying songs would be a pleasurable pursuit. Practice is also pivotal to her, and she believes it’s what separates true pianists from the insincere.
Jeanine, although contending with a taxing grade eleven workload, attempts daily practice in order to maintain her personal high standards. This dedication is, in spite of its intensity, not likely to meld into a occupation, establishing her rigorous rehearsal procedures all the more impressive. Jeanine is a budding biologist, intending to pursue the subject in university and beyond. However, although piano may not become her career, it will nevertheless be a lifelong pursuit, never to be relegated as a mere hobby or leisurely pursuit, but a lifelong passion.