Today the Herons were able to perform with Gao Hong at the All School Gathering. I have to admit – I was a little nervous. We practiced this morning and I was amazed by how much the Herons remembered from yesterday. They were taking their work very seriously and it showed.
Gao Hong's student, Yijun Wang, played the guzheng and Gao played several pieces on the pipa. It was really incredible and the students were amazed by the range of sounds she could create on her instrument. Little did we know that later in the afternoon each and every Heron would get the opportunity to try to play some of those sounds!
Gao Hong shared more stories from her childhood today (although not the chicky story the students begged to hear a second time.) One of the most amazing was the story Gao Hong shared of her practice routine as a child – 8 hours a day! Two before school, two at lunch break, two after school and two in the evening. There were many wide eyes in the audience — perhaps piano practice will go better at your house tonight!
The window the students received on another culture through Gao's stories and teaching is invaluable. The more students can learn the broad range of experiences in the world, the better equipped they become to be global citizens. They learn to ask questions and not assume. They learn to watch carefully and learn. They see that the world is filled with wonders they never knew existed. Thank you Gao Hong! Xiè-xie!
The Rookery 
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