Underclassmen start xylophone service project

In order to help other students either learn mallet instruments or further improve mallet percussion skills, freshman Fiona Lee and sophomore Priscilla Widjaja, who were both winter percussion and band marimba players, have created a service project named A.muse.

As a part of their band section leader applications, Lee, who came up with the idea, and Widjaja presented a service project based on teaching mallet instruments, primarily marimba, to students of any musical experience. Both Lee and Widjaja teach all A.muse lessons together, which take place during tutorial in the music building’s percussion room.

Widjaja said she wants to raise awareness about the percussion department and encourage more students to join marching band or winter percussion next year.

“When I first joined band in high school, it made me realize how many opportunities for music I missed,” Widjaja said. “ I don’t want people to lie in the dark like I did.”

So far, after announcing their project in the school’s Facebook group, three interested students have contacted them.

One of these students was junior Cathleen Hsieh, a violin and clarinet player, who tried A.muse out of curiosity and found the experience enjoyable.

“Marimba sounds pleasant and was really fun to try out especially since I have never played it before,” Hsieh said. “Priscilla and Fiona are also both really friendly.”

Her first lesson consisted of basic technique like learning proper mallet grip and playing scales. One thing that Hsieh struggled with was the motion of her wrist when she struck the keys, which Lee and Widjaja monitored her closely to correct her mistakes.

“When playing mallets, your wrists should be turned over and your thumbs should be facing parallel,” Widjaja said. “To teach this we’ll start students on scales and easy exercises in order to get used to the feeling of hitting the marimba keys.”

Lee said she is satisfied with the level of interest her project has garnered. In addition, if students continue to stay interested, she plans to continue A.muse until senior year and hand it down to an underclassman when she graduates.

To schedule an A.muse appointment, Lee said, interested students should message either herself or Widjaja on Facebook so they can schedule a meeting during tutorial.

“For all the non-percussionists, even if it’s a new thing for you, don’t be afraid to give it a go because anyone can learn mallets easily,” Lee said. “And for those already in percussion, it doesn’t take a lot of time, so come and practice with us anyway.”