By Tansy Cai
Every assembly, Collingwood students have the privilege to be greeted and dismissed by delightful jazz music. Among the fantastic artists in the Senior Jazz Band, our current grade twelve student Richard Sun consistently performs at an impressive level with his saxophone solos. It is no wonder that he receives such warm applauses.
Richard Sun was born and raised in Vancouver in a Chinese family. When Richard was five, he practiced the piano; when he was eleven, he played the drums; when he was twelve, he became more interested in focusing on the saxophone. During our interview, Richard explained that he greatly appreciates the efforts of his parents for reminding him to practise and teaching him to be persistent when he was young. He specifically emphasized that, “If they hadn't, I probably wouldn't be playing in the Collingwood Senior Jazz Band today.”
Richard’s very first exposure to jazz music was when he listened to a performance by Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band. At the beginning, Richard was intrigued by the sound of the saxophone, so he desired to experiment with the instrument himself. Gradually, he became even more absorbed, believing that the complexity of the saxophone required special attention. The more Richard started learning about jazz, the more fascinated he became, which is why he was able to achieve such a long commitment of excellence.
Furthermore, he suggests that, “We need to be aware of everything that is happening and how it all fits together.” For instance, Richard believes that music has become an integral part of his daily life after engaging in learning numerous kinds of instrument ever since he was five. His passion for music has not only allowed him to become a successful saxophone player, but it has also opened the doors to many other musical genres for him.
Currently, Richard is focusing on expanding his musical knowledge on both the saxophone and the bass guitar. He will not limit himself to jazz; rather, he will also study classical rock and even electronic styles. Although Richard is unclear of what he plans on studying in college next year, he is confident that he will continue with music in the long run.
Every assembly, Collingwood students have the privilege to be greeted and dismissed by delightful jazz music. Among the fantastic artists in the Senior Jazz Band, our current grade twelve student Richard Sun consistently performs at an impressive level with his saxophone solos. It is no wonder that he receives such warm applauses.
Richard Sun was born and raised in Vancouver in a Chinese family. When Richard was five, he practiced the piano; when he was eleven, he played the drums; when he was twelve, he became more interested in focusing on the saxophone. During our interview, Richard explained that he greatly appreciates the efforts of his parents for reminding him to practise and teaching him to be persistent when he was young. He specifically emphasized that, “If they hadn't, I probably wouldn't be playing in the Collingwood Senior Jazz Band today.”
Richard’s very first exposure to jazz music was when he listened to a performance by Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band. At the beginning, Richard was intrigued by the sound of the saxophone, so he desired to experiment with the instrument himself. Gradually, he became even more absorbed, believing that the complexity of the saxophone required special attention. The more Richard started learning about jazz, the more fascinated he became, which is why he was able to achieve such a long commitment of excellence.
Furthermore, he suggests that, “We need to be aware of everything that is happening and how it all fits together.” For instance, Richard believes that music has become an integral part of his daily life after engaging in learning numerous kinds of instrument ever since he was five. His passion for music has not only allowed him to become a successful saxophone player, but it has also opened the doors to many other musical genres for him.
Currently, Richard is focusing on expanding his musical knowledge on both the saxophone and the bass guitar. He will not limit himself to jazz; rather, he will also study classical rock and even electronic styles. Although Richard is unclear of what he plans on studying in college next year, he is confident that he will continue with music in the long run.