Panthers of ISKL #341: IASAS Season 3 - Music Culcon Delegates
Music students, Minqi Y. (‘27), Zahira D. (‘27), Abhigyan R. (‘27) and Aaditya B. (‘28), tell us about their experiences and what inspired their IASAS experiences.
Here are their stories:
What did you gain through your experience at IASAS Music, and how has this impacted your work?
It was a fascinating experience to play at the IASAS music convention, it gave me the opportunity to learn new techniques that could help improve tone quality and deepen my understanding of music, both as an individual music student and as part of a group.
Describe your most memorable moments during IASAS Music and what you most enjoy about it?
The experience of playing in front of adjudicators was very memorable, and the feeling of nervousness and excitement to play for musicians from different schools and distinct cultural backgrounds. It was enjoyable to make new friends and talk about shared interests in music with people, and learn about the motivations that helped them to accomplish great achievements at the convention.
Words by Minqui Y. (‘27)
What are you most proud of in your participation at IASAS Music, either individually or as part of your group?
There is something so beautiful about being a part of a larger group with a common goal. There was one mass choir song in particular that our choir found a little cheesy and were honestly dreading to sing. By the end of the final concert at IASAS, this was the one song that got me teary-eyed mid performance. It was a song about togetherness. I'm most proud of simply being a part of a larger group contributing all I can in making inspiring music.
What did you gain through your experience at IASAS Music, and how has this impacted your work?
As a vocalist whose primary vocal expertise isn't rooted in classical music, IASAS Music has opened more musical doors for me. Just being able to watch the top classical musicians from each IASAS school was enough for me to improve classically. I took mental notes from watching performances as to how I could improve and what I should keep doing. Consequently, my own classical singing has improved as a whole substantially.
Words by Zahira D. (‘27)
Describe your most memorable moments during IASAS Music and what you most enjoy about it?
My most memorable moment was not during the actual convention, but during the ISKL Recitals hosted a couple of weeks before. My favorite part about music, particularly classical music, is the art of performing. Performing on stage to an audience and conveying emotions that can't be described in words is truly a beautiful experience. During my recital performance, I experienced such fleeting joy and made a core memory I will treasure for a long time.
Tell us more about what inspires you in your preparation for IASAS Music:
As a more advanced classical pianist compared to my first year of IASAS Music, my inspiration for preparing for the convention has shifted. Now, playing difficult pieces that test my technical limits and heighten the grandeur of my performance is something I truly enjoy. When preparing for IASAS Music, I tend to select difficult and 'violent' pieces that stand out among melancholic and romantic pieces. My mother suffers quite a bit as practicing these pieces at home can be quite annoying. The shock and joy an audience experiences when hearing these pieces is what inspires me to undergo the difficult process of learning such pieces.
Words by - Abhigyan R. (‘27)
Describe your most memorable moments during IASAS Music and what you most enjoy about it?
One of my most memorable moments during IASAS Music was definitely performing with people from different schools who were all really passionate and skilled at what they do. It was interesting seeing how quickly everyone was able to connect through music, even if we had just met. I also really enjoyed the rehearsals, because even though they were really long, it was satisfying to hear the ensemble improve each time we played. What I enjoyed most about IASAS Music is being surrounded by people who care about music as much as I do. In school, not everyone fully understands the amount of work and effort music takes, so being in an environment where everyone is equally dedicated feels really motivating. It also pushes me to improve, since you’re constantly surrounded by musicians at a really high level.
What did you gain through your experience at IASAS Music, and how has this impacted your work?
Through IASAS Music, I gained a lot more experience as both an individual player and as part of a larger ensemble. It made me more aware of things like listening, balance, blending, and being responsible for my own part while also contributing to the full group sound. It also helped build my confidence as a musician. This experience impacted my work by making me want to take rehearsals and personal practice more seriously. After seeing the level that other musicians were performing at, it made me realize where I can improve and gave me more motivation to keep working towards becoming a better musician.
Words by - Aaditya B. (‘28)
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff member who always has an anecdote to tell, loves to share some insights into their passions and interests, or simply is a Panther through and through? Nominate them to be featured in our Panthers of ISKL stories by sending in your submissions here.