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The Fruit of Organized Sound

It produces a beautiful and unique sound that no other instrument can truly match; ranging from a deep, expressive tune to a flight of soaring, melodious harmonics, a saxophone’s ability to sing heart-warming songs still amazes me till this day.

I was first introduced to this extraordinary instrument back when I was just a little boy of seven years. At once, I fell in love with its eye-grabbing features: a set of keys spaced out creatively at unique angles, with a golden coating reflecting back glamorous sparkles of light. Right away, I was curiously attracted to learn all about this wonderful instrument. No matter the freezing rain, scorching heat, nor even sickness, I have never missed a single saxopone lesson. Why, and where did this courage come from? It came from music itself. Music has provided me what others can not - an imaginative blank space full of liveliness, determination, and potentials. This is my world, my musical world.

Throughout my discovery-filled years of playing the saxophone, I have acquired a new perspective in life. When my music takes me into an alternate reality, all of the distracting thoughts and troubles that surround me are instantaneously shredded into a million tiny pieces. By articulating through a series of precisely-tied notes, the rewardingly soothing melody can calm me even in the most stressful times. Music, the international language, needs no interpretation. It romantically whispers tales of love, and cries the blues. Becoming one with the music, I dig deep into the trains of thought to catch up with the past.

Improvisation is another important factor in linking together pieces of my musical world. Though very strange and challenging to some, it is my musical canvas. Sparkles of creativity fly out of the horn when true human emotions are unleashed on the spot. Improvising music, using a set of keys within an imaginative scale, is like following a never-ending escalator; it gives me a confident insight and takes me step by step into the future.

Now, as a member of Lord Byng’s Senior Wind Ensemble and Senior Jazz Band, music has led me to a much deeper understanding of life. I have tasted the unforgettable bitterness of failure and held the everlasting, nectar-filled flowers of success. Music picks me up when I fall, like a warm, helping hand. Music is like the best friend who patiently listens. Music has brightened my life. Charlie Parker, one of the greatest jazz musicians, once said, “Music is your own experience, your own thoughts, your wisdom. If you don’t live it, it won’t come out of your horn. They teach you there’s a boundary line to music. But, man, there’s no boundary line to art.” Music has opened the door to a whole new world.