Gift of strings

By Mikayla Saquiton

At the age of 9, Manuel Chi was gifted a guitar by his father. Being gifted the guitar built a feeling of happiness, and inspired him to practice and practice. After years of utilizing it, he has realized that playing the guitar is his passion.

Chi, a 14 year old freshman at Yerba Buena High School, has been self taught to play the guitar since 2016.

Because of learning how to play the guitar, Chi has changed the way he feels about music. “I feel more… I feel more when I play the guitar. I feel more life. I feel alive, because I'm dead inside.” he stated.

Chi has been introduced to this band called “Intervals”, and it affected him because it puts himself down and they make him feel unpleasant, which inspires him to be greater. Chi mentioned, “I play better now. Because they make me feel like trash, so I am better. They make me feel like trash, so I'm motivated to be better. And I am better.”

He’s been teaching himself for years, but once he started high school, he took the opportunity to get “professional” teaching from 2 teachers, Mr. Lockly, and a guy named Michael. So far, they taught him how to read music theory. Chi has only been taking the class for about a month, but he has already found it very helpful.

Chi is a very positive person when it comes to judging himself. He doesn't feel the need to put himself down. “Uhh yes. I don't like judging myself, so I don't know if I'm bad or good.” Chi stated.

Energetic music is the type of music Chi likes to play. Songs like “The river” by Wage wars uplifts his mood. “It feels good. The music I play is good. Energetic music.” He said.

It is a passion to acquire an instrument. It gives you a sense of achievement, and in general, it's just an enjoyable hobby to take into your life.