Boffi Lin ’24 is a four-year Senior from Taiwan. At the school, she has taken music courses for four years and is currently enrolled in Senior Music Performance. Lin serves as the principal second violinist in the orchestra. 

She is also co-head of Songs for Smiles, a proctor in Buehler, co-captain of the Track and Field team, and a member of the Disciplinary Committee, Robotics Team, and Girls Swimming and Diving. 

How did you discover your passion for the violin?

When I was in kindergarten, my mom showed me a video of Jascha Heifetz playing Niccolò Paganini’s 24 Caprices for Solo Violin. It was almost as if the violin was an extension of his body. 

Amazed by the beautiful sounds he was able to produce, I felt motivated to try and replicate his performance on my 1/16-size violin. That video was the start of my musical journey. 

I began taking private lessons, but I never had the opportunity to join an orchestra until I came to the school. My focus was on mastering the technical aspects of playing the violin, and I did not actively think about how I interacted with the music. But joining the orchestra here changed my outlook on music. I began to view music as more of a collaborative process.

What are some lessons that you have learned from being a musician?

The ability to be more patient with myself is something I’ve learned from being a musician. I have been able to use this skill in other areas of my life as well, such as in sports. 

Many of the friendships I have now also came from the collaborative aspect of music. Being in an orchestra and communicating and connecting with my fellow musicians creates a really tight-knit community. With ensemble groups, everyone either fails or succeeds together. I love this camaraderie. 

Another lesson I have learned is to take risks. Music can reflect my true emotions, especially when I’m not completely comfortable with the notes of a piece and when I’m uncertain about the phrasing, color, and mood I want to convey. Overcoming these challenges makes the performance more heartfelt and rewarding.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

Throughout my years of playing music, I have learned that everyone’s musical journey will be different. It is a highly subjective process, and everyone improves at different rates. 

Do not focus on comparing your skills to those of others. Enjoy the privilege of creating and connecting with others through your music instead.