The Joy of Music

By Maridel De Los Reyes

Some of my fondest memories are from the times when my mother would take me to watch the San Jose or Sillicon Valley Symphonies. I remember sitting there in awe of how people made such beautiful sounds with their equally beautiful instruments. What caught my attention the most were the solo violinists that would always have center stage and seemed to control the whole theater.

Eventually, my mother noticed I had taken a liking to the violin in particular. I would pretend to be a lead violinist and draw my imaginary bow across my imaginary violin. She eventually asked me “Do you want to try playing?” As an oblivious child, I immediately accepted.

I quickly learned that the ability to create music like the soloists was no easy feat.

I did not enjoy learning how to play, at all.

I enjoyed listening, but the high difficulty curve and my childhood impulsiveness drove me to find playing highly unenjoyable for a while. When soloists performed, they made it look so effortless and freeing, but when I played I got stiff wrists and sore arms.

There were many times when I would contemplate dropping out, but my original inspiration always lingered and stopped me from dropping it all. I was told that i was learning fast, and I could play without the dreaded beginner screech, but it was nowhere near the level I wanted it to be.

Eventually, I realized that I had formed the habit of playing everyday. It was a sudden realization, as last I remembered, I dreaded picking up the violin. I put more and more work into the violin everyday, and I was progressing at a rate faster than ever before. I felt myself getting closer and closer to the level of playing I wanted.

As I progressed through the technical aspects of violin and improved my sound, I found much more than that. I was able to form great relationships with others who shared the same passion. I met people through my academy that I still keep in contact with today. There is nothing like sharing your time with people with the same passions as you.

Last summer, I was accepted into the San Jose Youth Symphony, and I couldn’t be happier. However, due to COVID-19 all activities have been cancelled.

My academy just held their first virtual recital and looking back on my violin journey, and I am beyond thankful for never giving up. Playing has been one of the things that have stayed completely constant. I’m always improving, though maybe to fluctuating degrees, but I know I always have something to go back to. There’s always something to work on.