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“As a third generation Japanese-American, I know first-hand how difficult it is to convey the complex feelings that stem from diasporic experience. What would be second-nature for first-generation Japanese individuals is instead a steep learning curve for me and often leaves me feeling isolated from my own heritage. However, I never felt that way while in this ensemble. In fact, being a part of it allowed me not only to express these complicated emotions through music, but to connect with my identity in a concrete way.

Learning how to play the koto encouraged me to rediscover what it means to be a part of the wider AAPI community and let me do so at my own pace. Each week, I found myself feeling more at home in the music than before and wanting to push my creative boundaries to better reflect the change that was happening within me. Getting to play for my family at the World Music Festival and see them connect with the performance the same way I did at the beginning of the semester was the cornerstone of my experience in this group, and it is something I will forever be thankful for.”

— Ensemble Member