The performing arts are a significant part of an HKIS student’s life, and students have various avenues to choose from in this field, ranging from theatre to choir. The band program has long been a staple, from Upper Primary to High School, allowing students to finesse their craft. While students tend to gravitate towards the best-known instruments like clarinets and trumpets, they are also encouraged to try their hand at more niche instruments and stick with them until High School. For students like Claire Sun ’25, Lorraine Lee ’25, and Kira Wu 27, their loyalty to their instruments has been crucial in their journeys inside and outside the Band.

Kira, originally a flutist until 7th grade, was first recommended the oboe by the Upper Primary band teacher. She picked it up shortly after taking an oboe class over the summer. She also participated in the Jazz Band club in Middle School and picked up bass guitar simultaneously. On the other hand, both Claire and Lorraine have been with their instruments since the first grade. Claire, a percussionist, started when her old school required band students to pick up an instrument besides the piano. Since then, she has proudly stood behind the various instruments that make up the percussion section, which has been part of its appeal to her. Lorraine had been in French horn classes for quite some time, but she only played it officially in 9th grade, being a member of various choirs before deciding to join the band program.

As the trio continued with their instruments, they also had plenty of support and growth fostered by the band curriculum. For Kira, the Music Mentorship Program, which involves senior band members helping first-year students get more comfortable with their instruments, was a highlight. “It’s a service component run by the leaders. So last year, because I knew I would come to Wind Ensemble in 2024, I was terrified. I used to meet with Sissi, the senior oboist last year once a week and after school for an hour or so, she just taught me some other music or gave me some tips and I thought that was helpful”.

“It was nice to be able to play with a group of other people who play the same instrument so we can share tips about rhythms and articulation,” Lorraine attests about her French Horn community. “I also really like how we get so much feedback. Like our band teacher goes through the time to listen to all our summatives, and his feedback is very helpful; it’s helped me grow,” She adds.

“

 "In other bands, it can be very competitive. But here, it’s more like everyone likes music, everyone wants to have the joy of playing, and that’s why you’re in Band. It’s not driven by grades and competitions.”

-Claire talking about annual APAC and AMIS events

Being part of a band, especially when playing a niche instrument, has helped the trio grow in aspects outside of music. “I’m actually thinking of something my biology teacher told me - If you don’t know, then find out,” Kira observes. “I usually do my sectional practice with flutes. Even though it’s like a group I can be with, they don’t play the same instrument as me. So, if I have a problem with my tone, reading, or fingering, I can’t ask them because they don’t know. So, I’ve been more self-motivated and a better problem-solver this way.”

Lorraine responds, “If you don’t know, I’m kind of soft-spoken,” which makes the others nod in agreement. If you know Lorraine Lee, you know. “So, a big journey for me has been projecting my instrument, especially since many people don’t play French Horn. It pushed me out of my comfort zone. And yeah, I think it helps with my collaboration skills, as it taught me how to give good and clear instructions to others. It helps with my speaking skills because as a section leader, I do have to, I really do.”

Claire also became a better leader and team player through Band. “In percussion, it’s a very different experience. We don’t all play the same instrument; people know different aspects of percussion, so you mentor some people and learn from others. We also work with both symphonic and woodwind bands, so we have a lot of chances to interact with underclassmen and find the delicate balance between being bossy, being mean, and just being helpful and giving constructive criticism.” She also adds how this helps her in other extracurricular activities, including Spiritual Community, where she is the oldest member.

Over the years as the three instrumentalists continued in their paths, they found not only a deeper appreciation for music, but also in community, self-advocacy, and leadership. As they reflected on their experiences in band, they also had advice for anyone interested in pursuing an instrument that not a lot of other people play: