Student Spotlight: Sophia Chan
Yes, another one of ACP-Erie’s extraordinary students has accomplished something spectacular once again! Last weekend, senior Sophia Chan won first prize in the Fifth Mexico International Harp Competition and Festival, a prestigious competition that features young harpists of different ages and backgrounds. This Thursday, I had the opportunity to interview Ms. Chan about her wonderful achievement and passion for playing the harp.
Q: How does one enter the competition? Overall, how is the competition organized?
A: The application for the competition opened around August. Basically, you have to pay a fee and submit two letters of recommendation from musical teachers or directors, and then you have to turn in your repertoire and get it approved by them to see if your repertoire was high-level enough by their standards. The process is pretty much like a college application. About one or two weeks later, they will notify you and tell you if you were accepted into the competition. From there, you are selected to actually go to where the competition is located, which is in Mexico. This past Sunday was the semi-finals round; nine people went through semi-finals and six went to the finals round. From there, they pick the top three winners.
Q: When you found out you won, what was the first thought that popped into your head?
A: I was really happy! So, when I first won, I just thought “wow, people enjoyed my playing.” That further reaffirmed why I do volunteering with my harp and why I like playing for others, especially in hospitals, orphanages, and elderly homes. Oh, I also saw my parents and they were so happy, and that made me happy too!
Q: How long have you been playing the harp? How many hours do you spend practicing each week?
A: I have been playing since I was six years old, so around ten, almost eleven, years. I practice an average of two to three hours per day, and usually more if competition season is approaching or if I have a big event coming up. Other than that, I will add on hours depending on how much I need.
Q: What impact does this musical instrument have on your life?
A: An enormous impact! Music is one of my biggest passions; I have loved playing the harp since I was very young. Whether I am stressed or whether I am happy, it is always something I can turn to – music is just a constant thing in my life. I just love harp music; I feel like it has a different power to heal. It’s different, people enjoy it, and that is what gives me the most joy. My whole Saturday is just spent volunteering with the harp.
Q: How did you get involved with the harp?A: Around the time I was five or six, my dad took me to this exhibit where they had different musical instruments you could try playing, and the first thing I gravitated toward was the harp. Since then, my dad took me to a harp studio in Hong Kong, where I’m from, and I just started playing. In Hong Kong, I did a lot more public performances since they had quite a few fundraisers and weddings.
Q: Fun question, what is the wildest thing that happened while playing the harp?
A: There are MANY wild things that happen when I play. One time in Hong Kong, when I was about eleven or twelve, I was doing a promotional event for my harp studio. We were in the middle of this shopping mall area, and I was the first one to play. We were outdoors- I have never played outdoors before at that point- and I was not prepared. My entire music score flew away – all the pages – and my dress kept flapping up the whole time I was playing. Then, this bird landed on my head. My teacher said that no matter what happens, the show must go on, so I just continued on like nothing happened.
Q: Why do you think playing a musical instrument, even if you may not be the best, is worthwhile?
A: I think playing an instrument is very worthwhile. For me at least, playing the harp gives me a sense of purpose. You don’t have to be the best world-class player, but the enjoyment and
fulfillment that it gives you are so meaningful. For me, playing the harp gives me callouses and blisters, and that is going to hurt, but I just kept going. Just like life, you keep going. Also, playing teaches you how to become determined enough and dedicated enough and how to push through whatever obstacles it may throw at you. As cliché as it sounds, it is worthwhile because it gives you and others enjoyment.
Sophia said she will definitely continue to play in more competitions in the future, especially after college application season passes over. In the meantime, Sophia is preparing for a concert coming up on May 26. Best of luck, Sophia!
