Arasu’s Journey with BAE
Arasu is a Shanti Bhavan student in the 12th grade and we’ve had the privilege of working with him since he was in the 2nd grade! We are incredibly proud of Arasu's journey, where music has become an essential part of his life. Over the years, he has grown into a talented musician, embracing both piano and choir with enthusiasm and dedication. Arasu is also the choir accompanist, a lot of responsibility for a high school student. It has been a true joy to witness him rise to the challenge, handling pressure with such grace and resilience. His ability to learn new repertoire, embrace mistakes, and move forward is something that fills us with immense pride as educators. Please enjoy this letter Arasu wrote to his younger self, reflecting on the role of music and how it has helped him navigate both the highs and lows of life.
Dear Arasu,
I hope you did fine in school today. Today I am going to share with you something that will change your life in many ways. I know you love to sing and play the piano but music is more than what your tiny brain thinks it is.
Firstly, you probably remember Mr. Ben and Mr. Jason, your second-grade piano teachers who inspired you to play the piano. That flame that lit in you just let it burn and you will see what amazing things you can do. Man as you grow up to become a teen, life just gets so much better and worse at the same time. You’ll suddenly feel all these new emotions you have never felt. The piano will become your best friend and help you feel the release that is banging inside you.
You can bang on it when you are angry, cry on it when you feel depressed, and play classical pieces when you feel cranky. There is this time called jam time, and it will help you feel awesome. Just know you are a rockstar on the piano, but continue to play it and never give up on it.
I know you love to sing and are very shy about singing our little secret, but just know that singing is great. Now your voice is very cute and high-pitched it's great but once you go to high school it'll change, which can be scary, but be ready for it – it's another level of awesome. You'll love being a member of the choir. It's like a family. You’ll not only learn how to improve your singing voice but also how to listen and adjust to the other members. The choir is so fun and Ms. Brittany is so kind, patient, and friendly that you’ll want to sing all day but just that you can't. Dr.Chris will help you bring the best of your singing voice out which, to be honest, will surprise you.
Finally, let me just tell you that learning to play the piano and joining the choir is one of the best decisions you've made in your life. It’ll help you face challenges that become hard to face many times. You'll have created many friends and you will grow into a wonderful music student. NOW GET BACK TO STUDYING!!! Bye bye.
Yours older and handsome self,
Arasu
