Playing “Chanson Triste” through the loneliness
I am a bassist, double bass and electric. When classes went online, my orchestra and jazz band classes were where I struggled the most. Playing music with others who weren’t in the same room was really difficult; separated by distance, we weren’t all playing together.
I love sharing my passion for music with my classmates. Recreating that virtually just wasn’t possible. So when school ended, that bit of joy ended also.
Making music at a distance was challenging physically, too. For one assignment, we had to record a video playing a solo piece. I played Serge Koussevitsky’s “Chanson Triste” on the bass. It’s a universal song as it relates to anyone who is feeling grief over a loss of a loved one. While I was playing it, I tried to put myself in a scenario where I’m experiencing loss to become one with the music. It took me over a week to finish. By the end, my arms were noodles.
I’m still playing a lot of music, though. I spend my days in my music room, where I keep my bass, violin and piano. It’s on the third floor, which is a bonus because it blocks out any other noise from the house. The room is cozy and quiet. I used to share it with my dad, but when our meeting times started to overlap, he moved out so that we wouldn't talk over one another.
When I’m not working on homework for online classes, I’m playing the bass or doing drylands, the exercises that swimmers do when they can’t work out in the water. My favorite time of day, though, is snack time. Korean snacks such as Honey Butter chips and Bbongdda (cotton candy flavored ice cream) help me get through the day. It’s hard for me to stay motivated at home.
I’m really looking forward to the day that I can be back with my friends in orchestra and jazz band.