Annie Zhou ’18 is a devoted Ridge musician who lives, loves, and breathes music. Zhou’s passion has inspired her to use her time to do what she loves by practicing multiple instruments and participating in many of the music-related courses offered here at Ridge High School. In this interview, she reveals her experiences and opinions on the topic she is most fond of.
Esther Zhang (Reporter for The Devil’s Advocate): How long have you been a musician?
Annie Zhou: I got my first formal musical training when I was five, so I have been studying music for 10 years.
EZ: When and how did you start?
AZ: When I was five, I moved to New Jersey. My neighbor played the piano and I would always hear her when I went outside to play. I loved the way the piano [sounded] and how one instrument [could] produce so many melodies. I told her that I was interested in playing the piano, so she introduced me to her piano teacher.
EZ: Do you play any other instruments?
AZ: I play the piano and flute, and I play the guitar for fun.
EZ: How long have you been playing them?
AZ: I have been playing piano for 10 years, flute for 4 years, and guitar for 3 years.
EZ: How often do you practice?
AZ: Since high school [has] started, I have [had] so much homework that I don’t have as much time to practice my instruments, but I try to manage an hour a day.
EZ: What are some major accomplishments you have achieved?
AZ: In sixth grade, I had the opportunity to play at Carnegie Hall. It was a great experience for me because Carnegie Hall is such a well-known performing center.
EZ: What do you enjoy about music?
AZ: With all the stress from around us, I love how music can take [us] to another world, so [we] can block out the environment around [us].
EZ: How has music helped you?
AZ: It has definitely challenged me to be patient because every technique in music takes a lot of time to develop.
EZ: Do you like the school’s music program? Is there anything you want changed?
AZ: I love the school’s music program. I think Mr. Zugale, Mrs. Plagge, Ms. Curran, and Mrs. Retzko do such a great job in encouraging music among the students. With Jazz Band, Marching Band, the Pit Orchestra, and A Cappella Choir, our music teachers really show how dedicated they are at their jobs. If I [could] add one thing to our music program at Ridge, I would include AP Music Theory as an elective to further challenge Ridge musicians.
EZ: Do you think music should be a required course like math or science?
AZ: Although I do think that everyone should have music in their lives, I don’t think it should be a required course, because for most people, music is a sense of escape, and to force music on people would to be taking away the whole purpose of music: to enjoy it.
Music has been one of humanity’s largest forms of entertainment and expression for centuries. As Zhou explained, music is a way for people to escape from the pressures of daily life. Many students like Zhou devote themselves to playing the instruments they love and giving breath-taking performances in the several bands, orchestras, and choirs at Ridge. Continue to support these dedicated musicians by coming to their upcoming concerts!