How Mahler got me a job
There are many questions about what role the arts play in education. Orchestra, choir, band, theater are usually electives at a high school. They are often the first to be cut when budgets need cutting. But being in an orchestra taught me valuable lessons that would ultimately land me a job offer.
I started playing the violin when I was 4 years old. My mom said it was to give me something to do, but I’m sure being born into an Asian family had something to do with it as well. I played in the 4th grade orchestra when I was in 1st grade, throughout elementary school, middle school, and high school. I also joined the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO). It was that time in MYSO where I experienced what playing in a full symphony was like (adding the hot air blowing part of the orchestra). Hearing music within a full symphony orchestra was amazing.