Our Story

"Whether it is music or other art forms, I believe people with intellectual disabilities are gifted with their own unique talents. As long as we give them the opportunities to explore their potentials, they can all shine in their own way."

It is one of those nights, where the school hall is filled with the beautiful and mesmerizing sound of the violin. Hong Chi trainees Yau Ho Fai, Ie Siu Lun and other violin players are putting their heart and soul in rehearsing a few of their favorite pieces. With only 3 weeks left, they will be performing in one of their most important shows, the Naming and Opening Ceremony of Hong Chi Jockey Club Pinehill Village on 6 October. With the guidance of their music teachers, they practice the pieces time after time.

 

20 Years of Perseverance

The road to achieving your dreams is paved with repeated efforts and perseverance. Since secondary school, Ho Fai and Siu Lun have joined the weekly violin class organized by Hong Chi Jockey Club Arts Studio. Having reached their 40s, their passion for music has not diminished at all. For the past 20 years, they never stop coming to violin practice after work, all for a desire for some little achievements in music. Despite having reached ABRSM Violin Grade 5, they continue to sharpen their violin skills in preparation for Grade 7 Violin.

“I will try hard and aim high. Hope one day I will have the chance to become a violin teacher.” Ho Fai smiles with a beam of joy in his eyes as he speaks about his ambition in music. Being one of the few trainees who has perfect pitch, Ho Fai can easily figure out the key of the song by ear and can instantly play the music piece in tune. Ho Fai even improvises on the violin during the interview, the beautiful melody touches the heart of every person in the hall.

“Being part of the violin ensemble makes me very happy as I can meet my teachers and friends and we can enjoy music together.” Siu Lun explains the reason he has been attending violin class for the past 20 years. As an introvert himself, the weekly violin session gives him the opportunities to interact with other trainees who also have a strong dedication in music and, most importantly, gives him indescribable happiness. During the rehearsal, Siu Lon looks attentively at the sheet music as he plays the violin in ensemble with other trainees. “I hope that we will become more compatible as we practice more together.”

 

Teachers’ belief in trainees’ abilities

Trainees’ ambition and perseverance are the driving force for their music teachers, Mr. Tse Ka Ho and Ms. Tam Mei Yan. The talented violinist Mr. Tse and pianist Ms. Tam joined the Hong Chi Jockey Club Arts Studio as voluntary music teachers under the guidance of their mentor during their secondary school years. As time went by, they have taken the role as a professional violin teacher and piano accompanist and continued to nurture our Hong Chi trainees.

“I can genuinely feel their passion for music,” said Ms. Tam. The fact that trainees continue to enhance their violin artistry upon completion of their study has deeply touched their teachers. “Other than attending class on time, they spare no effort practicing violin at home. What’s more, they would film themselves as they play the violin to keep us updated with their progress.” Mr. Tse also adds, “These trainees are more attentive than some normal students. They make use of every minute at class to practice by themselves.” Mr. Tse and Ms. Tam are overjoyed as they share their experience in teaching the trainees.

 

Music makes people happy and confident

When confronted with stress and negative feelings, the weekly violin session becomes a haven for a quick escape from reality for the trainees as they often find the beautiful and soothing sound of violin therapeutic. “Ever since they have joined the workforce, their work and families become a big part of their lives. No matter in workplace or at home, they rarely have the chance to share their feelings. Therefore, trainees see every violin lesson as a precious opportunity to communicate their thoughts and feelings. We are not just their teachers, but also their friends and listeners,” said Mr. Tse.

Besides his weekly violin class on Tuesdays, Ho Fai also participates in the church's music rehearsal on Thursdays to prepare for the hymn singing every Sunday. Have you ever felt tired following such a busy schedule after work? Ho Fai replies with a smile on his face: "If I'm tired, I just take a nap on my way to the violin class to relieve my tiredness." Ho Fai never skips his tight practice every week, all because he feels immense satisfaction from each performance.

"Each performance allows more people to understand them through the violin, and the students also gain confidence and a sense of achievement," said Mr.Tse. He hopes to hold more inclusive activities in the future to help more people understand the talents of people with intellectual disabilities. "Once a student told me that people with intellectual disabilities can also play beautiful and melodious songs," Ms. Tam reflects. "Whether it is music or other art forms, I believe people with intellectual disabilities are gifted with their own unique talents. As long as we give them the opportunities to explore their potentials, they can all shine in their own way."

 

Postscript: Over the years, Hong Chi students and trainees have had numerous remarkable achievements in arts and sports. The establishment of "Arts & Sports Seed Fund" and "Hong Chi Sports & Arts Academy" will provide more resources in the arts and sports development, helping Hong Chi students and trainees develop and unleash their potentials, and hence nurturing them into arts and sports talents of the future.