A Note From Nancy
Hello there! I’m Nancy, and I graduated from the OrKidstra program in 2019. I began as a KidSinger in 2009 and started playing the violin the year after. I speak English, some French and my family and I speak Cantonese at home.
It’s amazing to think that I have been part of the OrKidstra family for over 10 years! Now that I’m part of the “OldKidstra,” I support the organization by volunteering as a Mentor. As a supporter, you too are an important part of our OrKidstra family: thank you for helping young people like me find their passion and voice through music.
At OrKidstra, I’ve met so many individuals who I am lucky to be able to consider family. Music develops an indescribable bond that brings individuals together. I am still in contact with many of my friends from when I was a student, including my best friend, Jen; these are connections that I know will last a lifetime! In 2018, I was also given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go to Mexico and play under Maestro Gustavo Dudamel with over 150 students from 23 Sistema-inspired programs across the Americas; I was so lucky!
I am currently in my second year of studying business at the University of Ottawa. Unfortunately, everything has been moved online for the entirety of this school year due to COVID-19, but I’m grateful I can continue my classes. It’s tough to stay focused and motivated outside of the classroom environment, but I’ve learned to adapt. I’m proud to say that I’ve kept my grades up, and my hope for the future remains strong. I know that this is, in part, because of the skills I learned at OrKidstra, thanks to your support.
I have gained and improved so many essential life skills through my time at OrKidstra, including time management, responsibility, leadership, teamwork, and self-confidence.
Trying to balance school with going to rehearsals and practicing at home made me realize that I needed to plan my time better to fulfill all my responsibilities! As a second violin section leader, I learned how to communicate with my section to quickly and confidently demonstrate musical sections. As a business student, I have a lot of group projects. Thanks to your support for OrKidstra, I have gained the confidence to take leadership roles, which ultimately helps me perform better in school and will help me in future jobs.
Something that truly brings us all together is music.
With the current pandemic going on, it’s very easy for each of us to feel lonely. I really miss seeing my friends in person, and I was looking forward to meeting new people this school year. But something that truly brings us all together is music. At a time like this, now more than ever, we need to feel united. Unfortunately, not everyone can go back to regular schooling, which means that OrKidstra @ Home may be one of the few opportunities for students to interact with others. During the summer, when I was volunteering online with OrKidstra, I could see how eager the kids were to learn more about playing their instruments.
Once the pandemic is over, one of the first things I will do is visit my family at OrKidstra! Until then, a big virtual hug for all of you…stay safe!
Lots of love,
Nancy Szeto
OrKidstra Graduate, violin
Honours in Business Management, University of Ottawa
P.S. If you’ve already donated, thank you so much for your amazing gift!
