Intense drumming sessions that leave hands sore,
Moments of wanting to give up due to overwhelming fatigue,
Instances of hesitating to step onto the stage,
And in return, the unforgettable sweet experience when Le Ha Linh Chi (7SanJose, The Dewey Schools Cau Giay) brilliantly clinched the Gold Medal in the Jazz Drum category for the 11-13 age group at the 10th Hong Kong International Music Festival.
Since her first encounter with Jazz drums at the age of 10, Linh Chi has felt a special connection with this personality-filled art form. Observing a confident female drummer harmonizing with the melody, few would imagine that Linh Chi once considered herself somewhat introverted and used to be afraid of stepping onto the stage. With the support of her family, school, and her own efforts, Linh Chi gradually gained confidence, enabling her to perform in front of audiences and even to “venture beyond the ocean,” asserting her talent on the international stage of the arts.
Competing alongside 4,000 participants from over 120 countries in the finals of The 10th Hong Kong International Music Festival, Linh Chi remarkably clinched the Gold Medal in Jazz drums on her first attempt at such a prestigious international competition. The young girl managed to captivate the judging panel, composed of renowned international artists, educators, and music activists, with her impressive performance.
“I myself have often thought of giving up due to exhaustion, and the times when playing the drums left my hands sore. However, with my mother always accompanying and encouraging me, I made an effort and was determined to give my best. Initially, I thought of participating in this competition just for the experience. But unexpectedly, I achieved good results, and the moment of being announced as the winner was truly surprising,” Linh Chi emotionally shared. In this competition, Linh Chi also gained new friends, beautiful memories, and, especially, a readiness to face challenges and surpass her own limits.
Linh Chi is also one of the students who left a deep impression on Ms. Hoang Tam – her former form teacher and current Literature teacher. “In class, Linh Chi was not the standout student, but she was warm, caring, and especially had a strong sense of responsibility. Every task assigned to Linh Chi could be trusted; she was ready to listen, persevere, and perform to the best of her abilities. Linh Chi spent her early years at Dewey Elementary School, and now continuing into middle school, I believe that the values pursued by the Dewey educational environment are the same values that Linh Chi will always carry on every journey ahead,” Ms. Tam shared about her student.
Sharing her future plans, Linh Chi revealed, “In the time ahead, I will continue to play the drums because this discipline is my passion and an integral part of my life. Previously, I was very hesitant to step onto the stage, but the opportunities to participate in artistic events at Dewey have helped me mature a lot. I am also very ready for the day when I can stand on Dewey’s stage with my Jazz drums to perform alongside my friends.”
Wishing Dewey’s drummer all the courage, talent, and effort to continue shining on the journey to conquer her own dreams.
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As part of the “DESIGN TODAY, GLOW TOMORROW” campaign, the “Glow Up Stories” series will feature authentic stories about personal growth journeys, becoming better versions of themselves every day for our TDSers.
