By Eric Zhao
Born in Canada, while having lived in England and in Hong Kong, Julian Kwong is a Collingwood lifer has been playing music for as long as he can remember. Julian is a multitalented musician who plays the clarinet at a high level in the Collingwood School Orchestra, as well as bass clarinet, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone and piano. “I can't even remember a time when I wasn't doing some sort of music.” Outside of music, Julian enjoys conversing with people and entertaining them in any way that he can. He is a big soccer fan who supports Liverpool, and enjoys basketball as a member of the Collingwood Senior Basketball Team. Julian is also interested in taking photos of all kinds of interesting things happening around him.
Born in Canada, while having lived in England and in Hong Kong, Julian Kwong is a Collingwood lifer has been playing music for as long as he can remember. Julian is a multitalented musician who plays the clarinet at a high level in the Collingwood School Orchestra, as well as bass clarinet, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone and piano. “I can't even remember a time when I wasn't doing some sort of music.” Outside of music, Julian enjoys conversing with people and entertaining them in any way that he can. He is a big soccer fan who supports Liverpool, and enjoys basketball as a member of the Collingwood Senior Basketball Team. Julian is also interested in taking photos of all kinds of interesting things happening around him.
Growing up, before he entered his senior school life, Julian was a shy boy without many friends, which may be hard to believe for many people. He spent most of his time listening to, and playing, music. “So music has always meant a lot to me, and sometimes when I'm by myself I express myself through songs,” says Julian. As an advice for young musicians, Julian recommends that they practise and immerse themselves in music.
Julian’s mom has been the most influential individual in his music career, as someone who introduced music to Julian and who also helped to motivate him to continue on with his passion. “Other than her, Mr. Perkins has been a great musician and mentor to me throughout all the years at Collingwood when I have been part of the music program,” Julian adds.
Julian’s mom has been the most influential individual in his music career, as someone who introduced music to Julian and who also helped to motivate him to continue on with his passion. “Other than her, Mr. Perkins has been a great musician and mentor to me throughout all the years at Collingwood when I have been part of the music program,” Julian adds.
Julian’s favourite types of music are RnB and Indie Rock. He usually listens to them on car rides and he enjoys them more than any other kinds of music. “They tend to relax me and loosen me up. I feel as if they can be fit into most situations and emotions,” says Julian.
In addition to being a musician with a wide range of skills, Julian is a member of the Chamber Choir. In fact, he has been a part of the Orchestra, Senior Jazz Band, Senior Jazz Combo, Chamber Choir and Concert Choir. Recently, Julian went to the Kiwanis Jazz Festival where he received gold with both Senior Jazz combo and Senior Jazz band, thus adding to his Collingwood music career accomplishments with a total of six golds and one silver.
Julian is a member of the Grad Class this year. “For my future , I want to be a psychologist as the field really interests me in general. As for arts, I will continue playing music as far as bands go but I'll probably take a break for a while, although I will have interest in rejoining at some point in my life!”
In addition to being a musician with a wide range of skills, Julian is a member of the Chamber Choir. In fact, he has been a part of the Orchestra, Senior Jazz Band, Senior Jazz Combo, Chamber Choir and Concert Choir. Recently, Julian went to the Kiwanis Jazz Festival where he received gold with both Senior Jazz combo and Senior Jazz band, thus adding to his Collingwood music career accomplishments with a total of six golds and one silver.
Julian is a member of the Grad Class this year. “For my future , I want to be a psychologist as the field really interests me in general. As for arts, I will continue playing music as far as bands go but I'll probably take a break for a while, although I will have interest in rejoining at some point in my life!”
