Hello, my name is Pearl Chang, and I am currently studying at R.A. McMath Secondary. I am in Grade 11.

Why did you choose the cello? What got you interested in playing?

I chose the cello because I have a cousin who played cello when I was younger. I really looked up to her, and naturally, I wanted to play cello.

How long have you been playing?

I’ve been playing cello for 12 years.

What are some music goals that you have?

My ultimate goal is to make others happy with the music I play. I would also like to play in an orchestra that plays movie soundtracks, but unfortunately those do not exist...

What's one piece that you've always wanted to play?

I’ve always wanted to play 1812 because it’s very exciting! (and the cannons, of course)

If you could go back in time, what composer would you like to meet?

I would like to meet Saint-Saens. He is one of my favourite composers, and both Ravel and Fauré were his students, who are also some of my favourite composers. I remember playing the Swan when I was younger and loving it. He’s a really awesome composer who taught really awesome students.

If you could choose to learn another instrument, what would it be?

I would choose the viola! This instrument is very underrated, but it has a beautiful sound just like all others.

If Mozart was a musician today, what genre do you think he'd write in?

Perhaps he would write in some form of pop. Maybe electro-pop or dance pop, similar to Lady Gaga or Michael Jackson.

What is your favourite thing about playing in an orchestra?

I love how everybody plays their own parts, but they all come together to form something nobody could do on their own.

What have you learned during your time in the orchestra?

I’ve learned to listen to others because your own part itself doesn’t make up the piece- the whole orchestra does.