Ying competes for prized symphony spot
Finding time to attend a symphony is hard enough, much less trying to play in one. Sophomore Janice Ying makes time for both
Last weekend Ying participated in a piano concerto competition at UCLA for a chance to perform with the Brentwood Symphony
If Ying wins the grand prize, she gets $1,000, and if she wins in one of the three lower divisions, she will receive $100. Either way, she would also get the opportunity to perform with the esteemed symphony.
“I played well, but I don’t know if I won any of the prizes,” Ying said. “It is pretty competitive but it is a great experience.”
Ying began piano lessons as a 5-year-old and has not stopped playing for the last 15 years.
Because of her music major, Ying practices two to three hours a day, depending on her schedule. Since her private piano teacher, adjunct professor Mona DeCesare, recommends that she get as much experience as possible, she has been participating in several competitions lately.
This weekend she will be competing for a chance to play with the New West Symphony.
“There are really beautiful aspects of music that let me just sit back, let go and not think about anything but letting the music flow out,” Ying said. “Of course, sometimes practicing is difficult and frustrating but usually music is my release and my way to escape from life for awhile.”
Johnson deemed ‘Weakest’ greek link in final round
Even though Senior Phil Johnson made it to the final round of the “Weakest Link” game show on KNBC, he didn’t come home with any of the $11,000 he and the other contestants helped build up throughout the course of the game.
The show broadcasted Monday afternoon, in which Johnson wore his Sigma Nu letters as part of the themed “greek week” program.
Once the game had come down to just he and another contestant who had earned the title of the “Strongest Link,” Johnson lost in the final question. He could not think of the Russian man who was featured as Time Magazine’s Man of the Year twice in the 1980s. Had he known the answer was former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, Johnson would have had another opportunity at the $11,000 prize.
— Done something noteworthy or different? E-mail DeNae Thomas at dmthomas@pepperdine.edu.
February 20, 2003
