By Michelle Liang
As a valuable member of the Collingwood Strings Ensemble, Thomas has never failed to capture the attention of people with his articulate violin performances.
Born in Seoul, Korea, Thomas Hong moved to Canada when he was only six years old. He is currently in grade eleven and has been part of the Strings ever since he came to Collingwood in grade eight. His dedication to violin is significantly emphasized as he also plays in a symphony orchestra in Vancouver, where he has several performances at the Orpheum every year and holds concerts all over the city.
As a strong musician, he is not only proficient in violin, but also in piano and trumpet. His love and passion for music came from his desire to be able to enjoy playing and delivering a beautiful piece with a smile. When he was four years old, he watched a show about an orchestra working hard to prepare for a concert. Although he cannot remember most of the plot now, he can still vividly recall the expression on each musician’s face as they played their concert. This is what ignited his interest in music.
Throughout his musical journey, Thomas casually identifies his source of motivation to be his brother. Ever since he started playing music, his brother – talented in piano, saxophone and clarinet – was always there to support and encourage him. Moreover, exposed to many different forms and styles of music, he finds that “[his] love for classical music and rap never changes.”
Whether it is the painful hours of practicing the same technique over and over again or the unavoidable thought of giving up, Thomas still continues to persevere. He shares, “From the moment I started playing music when I was four years old, my musical career has been full of hills that I’ve had to climb up, and even now I see that only hills lie ahead. But I continue to pick up my bow and practice because I know the rush I get on the downhills will bring me more joy than anything else, as they have for years.”
Thomas has been an outstanding performing artist in Collingwood and we hope to hear more of his playing as he continues his musical career in the Strings section in his last year at Collingwood.
As a valuable member of the Collingwood Strings Ensemble, Thomas has never failed to capture the attention of people with his articulate violin performances.
Born in Seoul, Korea, Thomas Hong moved to Canada when he was only six years old. He is currently in grade eleven and has been part of the Strings ever since he came to Collingwood in grade eight. His dedication to violin is significantly emphasized as he also plays in a symphony orchestra in Vancouver, where he has several performances at the Orpheum every year and holds concerts all over the city.
As a strong musician, he is not only proficient in violin, but also in piano and trumpet. His love and passion for music came from his desire to be able to enjoy playing and delivering a beautiful piece with a smile. When he was four years old, he watched a show about an orchestra working hard to prepare for a concert. Although he cannot remember most of the plot now, he can still vividly recall the expression on each musician’s face as they played their concert. This is what ignited his interest in music.
Throughout his musical journey, Thomas casually identifies his source of motivation to be his brother. Ever since he started playing music, his brother – talented in piano, saxophone and clarinet – was always there to support and encourage him. Moreover, exposed to many different forms and styles of music, he finds that “[his] love for classical music and rap never changes.”
Whether it is the painful hours of practicing the same technique over and over again or the unavoidable thought of giving up, Thomas still continues to persevere. He shares, “From the moment I started playing music when I was four years old, my musical career has been full of hills that I’ve had to climb up, and even now I see that only hills lie ahead. But I continue to pick up my bow and practice because I know the rush I get on the downhills will bring me more joy than anything else, as they have for years.”
Thomas has been an outstanding performing artist in Collingwood and we hope to hear more of his playing as he continues his musical career in the Strings section in his last year at Collingwood.