Olivia Zhang ’25 is a four-year Senior from Hong Kong. She is a member of Girls JV Squash, Varsity Diving, and Varsity Track and Field and co-head of Students for Environmental Action (SEA) and the Fashion and Style Club (FASH). Zhang has been the orchestra’s principal clarinetist since her Lower Mid year. She will play a solo in the final concert this spring. Zhang is also a visual artist; last year, her painting won a Gold Key from the Scholastic Regional Art Awards.
What makes you passionate about the clarinet?
I started playing the clarinet when I was in fourth grade. I had just quit piano the year before. I wanted to pick up another instrument, so I went to a music store with my mom and I tried out all the instruments. I loved the sound of the clarinet the most.
The clarinet gives me opportunities
to explore many different kinds of music, as it has such a wide range of sounds! While I’m usually a classical musician, recently I’ve been experimenting with more jazzy or Klezmer elements. I am inspired by being around other musicians who work hard, especially when I hear impressive music. Seeing others play in a musical and emotional way inspires me to improve and imitate their skill. Some of my favorite clarinetists are Sabine Meyer, who plays musically and with flawless technique, and Martin Frost, who plays fast and consistently. I try to emulate both of them.
Do you plan to continue the clarinet in college?
In college, I could see myself being in the orchestra or joining a chamber music group. They also have clubs like Songs for Smiles, which I do here and would like to continue, and I think I might look for a similar group at Brown. Combining music with community service seems like a really rewarding way for me to continue my musical journey.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Practice makes perfect. I know they’ve heard it a million times, but it’s true: you get out what you put in. I also think that all aspiring musicians need to learn to balance music and academics. For example, I do art as my fall co- curricular and that allows me to step away from the clarinet. Getting all my work done lets me practice with more purpose and fully immerse myself in my playing.
