Last March, with her church’s pianist out sick and unable to play, current sophomore Ja Chan was the one to fill her place, playing on the podium and watching everyone, herself included, praising God.
“I felt like that was the moment I truly was glad that I learned music … ,” Chan said.
However, her experience with music began long before this moment. At the age of 8, she picked up piano, followed swiftly by a multitude of other instruments, bringing her closer to both others and her religion.
Chan first started playing the piano after her parents introduced her to lessons, claiming that in doing so, she could play at any time and glorify God.
Chan’s mother, Merry Lashi, says that she never had the opportunity to learn how to play instruments, so her daughter having the opportunity to do so is a blessing.
“I brought music (into) my daughter’s life because music is a way anybody can relax,” Lashi said through Chan’s translation. “It makes you feel calm even in the most stressful situations and helps you overcome moments like that.”
Chan says piano has been challenging, and it remains the instrument she struggles with most during practice. She says that she doesn’t really enjoy playing piano anymore, claiming that it could be due to her parents pressuring her to do it, ruining her connection to it.
However, she continues to take lessons and says that she likes playing when she has the freedom to choose when and what she plays. When playing any type of music, Chan says it helps her relax after a long day.
“It still makes me feel calm in my heart,” Chan said. “Because I’m just doing what I do.”
After her parents thought she was good enough at piano, they put her in violin lessons when she was 10. Now, she plays for her church and a group for which she believes the name translates into Kachin Alliance.
Her piano and violin teacher, Lahkang Myu Awn, encouraged Chan to play for the group, of which he is also a member. With this organization, they perform at different events and shows in different states.
“We’re going to Texas in May … ,” Chan said. “Most of what I had been (to) was … in Indiana.”
In sixth grade, she started playing the flute, continuing it now for her band class. Out of every instrument she plays, she says the flute is her favorite.
“Ever since I was a little kid, I would always imagine myself playing the flute,” Chan said. “I just really love the way it sounds, and it’s beautiful.”
Outside of church and school, she plays guitar and oboe from time to time as a hobby.
With every instrument she plays, she’s learned just how hardworking one has to be and all the little things that go into making music. She’s also come to learn that music brings people together even despite cultural differences.
“Music is a way for me to (be) able to share my feelings and thoughts to other people,” Chan said. “And when we come together … , it’s just a powerful thing.”
