By Arden Nguyen
Senior Danica Kwan steadies her cello, picks up the bow and places it gently across the strings. She focuses on the music sheet in front of her, and with a sudden motion, begins.
The first note is intense, immediately commanding attention. Her fingers move deftly along the strings with precision as the bow slides with quick jerks. Each touch produces a low and melodic sound, culminating in a stirring harmony. The music is breathtaking and beautiful.
With about 10 years of experience under her belt, there is no doubt that Kwan is a remarkably talented cellist.
Born into a musical family, her first venture into music began at the age of three, when she began taking piano lessons with a teacher who also happened to play the cello. After several years of playing the piano, she decided to begin cello lessons as well due to a budding interest in the instrument. That interest grew into a strong preference, so she switched to the cello completely and hasn’t looked back since.
“I really just fell more in love with it each year that I played, and that’s why I stuck with it for so long,” Kwan said.
Her hard work and dedication have paid off. At Fountain Valley High School, Kwan is a four-year member of the orchestra playing first chair cello. She also participates in different music festivals and competitions, such as the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association Virtual Solo and Ensemble Festival, where she received a Unanimous Superior rating. Outside of school and competing, she enjoys making music with family and friends.
Kwan usually practices for half an hour per day because she is occupied with school. But before a performance or competition, her practice will increase to between an hour and an hour and a half daily.
She can play from various time periods within classical music, such as Baroque, and has also explored contemporary and jazz. Kwan counts British cellists Jacqueline Du Pré and Sheku Kanneh-Mason as musical inspirations, but also credits her music teacher Gloria Traullé and composition instructor Dr. Vera Ivanova.
Traullé points out that Kwan’s passion and enthusiasm for music are notable qualities she possesses as a student.
“She loves music and shows her eagerness to learn many new skills,” Traullé said.
Ivanova also emphasizes other traits that make Kwan such a great musician.
“I was always impressed by how smart, intelligent and talented Danica is!” Ivanova said. “She possesses a unique combination of abilities – logical thinking and creativity, which she balances in a perfect way. Danica is very inquisitive, kind and open to learning about a wide variety of things. She always strives for perfection and achieves it!”
Despite her success, Kwan’s musical journey hasn’t always been smooth. In sixth grade, the teacher with whom she had first started studying the cello told her and her sister that he didn’t think they were interested or devoted enough to become musicians.
“[T]hat was really discouraging to hear from someone I really looked up to,” Kwan said.
She then began working with a new teacher that helped her see music in a more artistic light beyond just technique and intonation. Kwan says she had to learn “how to interpret the messages in music, and how to tell a story that was my own with music.”
Even now, playing the cello presents some challenges. She admits that it can take a mental and physical toll because of the perfectionistic nature of classical music.
“There’s always that sense that you never quite perfected a piece and there’s always something you can do. And sometimes that can be a little exhausting,” she said.
However, Kwan appreciates the cello for the power of expression it provides. It’s not always easy for her to use her speaking voice, but the instrument gives her a special way to communicate.
“I feel like when I play cello, it almost gives me a singing voice, and I feel like I’m able to express myself in ways that my writing and…language speaking voice are not able to do,” she said.
For those who want to learn to play an instrument or improve their playing, Kwan has this advice to share.
“[S]tart and start anywhere, I mean just singing in your room is starting music in a way, taking up any programs that are available to you like the ones through our school that are free…And then once you’ve started, stick to it, commit, and when you’re faced with challenges, or maybe setbacks or people who maybe don’t really believe in you, keep going,” she said.
Although she does not have plans to pursue music professionally, Kwan is certain that she’ll continue playing cello for the rest of her life.
“[M]usic is so ingrained with my life that I can’t ever see myself stopping,” Kwan said.
