By Jenny Ding
Steven Zhu, a grade 10 Collingwood student known for his profound penchant for percussion music, displays his thriving interest in music beyond his rhythmic talents as Steven is not only an adept drummer, but also a pianist and composer. Having almost 12 years of experience in playing the drums and the piano, Steven strives to embrace his musical knowledge by dedicating his time to various instrumental groups – such as orchestra, concert band, and jazz band – and by volunteering to play the instrumental accompaniment for many choir performances in Collingwood. Aside from his prestigious enthusiasm, Steven’s witty humour highlights his unique perspective in music. When asked about his musical philosophy, Steven responded, “Young musicians are like farts. Most of the time, if you let them develop and mature, they will go on to sound nice. If you force them, they become crap.”
Since being introduced to jazz music at the age of 12, Steven had his musical interest sparked by this genre momentously, especially the art of improvisation. Claiming jazz to be his favourite style of music, Steven is currently studying drums with Jesse Cahill, a prominent jazz drummer in Vancouver. Steven looks up to pianists and drummers such as the famous Daniel Barenboim, the highly respected Krystian Zimerman, the well-known Steven Gadd, and the iconic drumming legend Buddy Rich. Steven’s extensive interest in music ranges from classical to jazz to heavy metal. Pursuing a diversity of music genres allows Steven to expand his musical knowledge.
Steven Zhu, a grade 10 Collingwood student known for his profound penchant for percussion music, displays his thriving interest in music beyond his rhythmic talents as Steven is not only an adept drummer, but also a pianist and composer. Having almost 12 years of experience in playing the drums and the piano, Steven strives to embrace his musical knowledge by dedicating his time to various instrumental groups – such as orchestra, concert band, and jazz band – and by volunteering to play the instrumental accompaniment for many choir performances in Collingwood. Aside from his prestigious enthusiasm, Steven’s witty humour highlights his unique perspective in music. When asked about his musical philosophy, Steven responded, “Young musicians are like farts. Most of the time, if you let them develop and mature, they will go on to sound nice. If you force them, they become crap.”
Since being introduced to jazz music at the age of 12, Steven had his musical interest sparked by this genre momentously, especially the art of improvisation. Claiming jazz to be his favourite style of music, Steven is currently studying drums with Jesse Cahill, a prominent jazz drummer in Vancouver. Steven looks up to pianists and drummers such as the famous Daniel Barenboim, the highly respected Krystian Zimerman, the well-known Steven Gadd, and the iconic drumming legend Buddy Rich. Steven’s extensive interest in music ranges from classical to jazz to heavy metal. Pursuing a diversity of music genres allows Steven to expand his musical knowledge.
When asked what initially inspired his musical journey, Steven wearily admits that his early interests were influenced by his parents, who “made [him] practice the instruments everyday”. However, as time passed by, the initial unwillingness to practice music transformed into an irreplaceable passion that he plans to major in university and to pursue for the rest of his life. Further emphasizing his tremendous interest and exclusive talent in music, Steven has been awarded 1st place in an annual Beijing drum competition, the "Most Outstanding Performer in a Junior Jazz Band Award" in the Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festival 2015-2016, and the Collingwood Band Subject Award in grade 8.
Aside from his enthusiasm for music, Steven invests the rest of his time playing golf and hockey. When asked about the reason behind his interest in these sports, Steven states that “Although they might seem unrelated, sports like hockey and golf are great alternatives to music as they help relax the mind and allow me to think about music from another perspective.”
Beyond the art of percussion and piano, Steven has made his composing debut in the Collingwood Year-End Concert of 2014-2015 with his friends Yoo Bin Cho and Ryan Martin (see attached music).
Furthermore, Steven plans to have the Collingwood Orchestra perform his newest composition, "The Dragon Under the Sea", at the end of the school year.
Aside from his enthusiasm for music, Steven invests the rest of his time playing golf and hockey. When asked about the reason behind his interest in these sports, Steven states that “Although they might seem unrelated, sports like hockey and golf are great alternatives to music as they help relax the mind and allow me to think about music from another perspective.”
Beyond the art of percussion and piano, Steven has made his composing debut in the Collingwood Year-End Concert of 2014-2015 with his friends Yoo Bin Cho and Ryan Martin (see attached music).
Furthermore, Steven plans to have the Collingwood Orchestra perform his newest composition, "The Dragon Under the Sea", at the end of the school year.