I was very lucky yesterday.
"I went through the same struggle. You know what did I think? I think Music needs luck. I think that's your answer?"
I was inside my favourite science teacher's office. There were a few students, and we were discussing hydrolysis. He was explaining why a molecule with resonace structure tends to be a weaker base and the example he used was acetic acid and its conjugate base. I was one of the two students there who understood that, and the others were still very worry. The next mid term will be next week.
"What will you do this weekend?" asked the other lucky studnet who knows the relationship of resonace and the strength of base.
"I will have a concert." Gray said.
"What?" I couldn't believe my ears. Until yesterday, all I know about his interests was that he is a double major of Russian and Chemistry, and he is developing his interest in Hindu music. He got his Ph.D in Chemistry at UC Berkeley, the universitiy with the best Chemistry program in USA.
"What concert is that?"
"Oh, we will play some Indian music."
"What instruments do you play?"
"Piano, Clarinet, XXX, XXX, XXX, XXX." He talked real fast. I just got to know "piano" and "clarinet" and I am sure he doesn't play western string instruments, but woodwind and brass.
"What style do you play?"
"Western Classical in piano and clarinet, and I am the best in those two. I could play Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsodies' clarinet solo and piano solo."
He seemed showing off. I got a glimpse of what level he is at, though.
Others tended to be bored, and a few of them left. Four of us remained. I needed to stand at first, but now with more space, I could sit down at last.
He took out his Sitar. I didn't know what that except that it's an instrument from India. He gave an excellent explanation on that, and the explanation on Music from him is as amazing as that of Chemistry.
I didn't go to work as usual. I just didn't want to leave his office. He started to play the Sitar, and the four of us discussed Music instead of Chemistry. I questioned about the scale pattern of India music (from the little knowledge I know about Chinese and Western music, I guessed that India has her way of expressing tonal relationships). He answered and demonstrated with his Sitra. It was a totally different person sitting infornt of me. His eyes were different when he was playing his music than when he is lecturing about Chemistry. Totally different. I suddenly wanted to avoid looking straight through his eyes, which are greenish-gray in colour.
I nearly cried when he talked about his choice between music, russian and chemistry. I said that I am not sure whterh I chose the correct path: I could major in performing arts, in which I am more talented. I showed talents in drama, recitation, singing, and a certain extend to music. In Science, I am just an ordinary studnet. "I went through the same struggle as you did. In fact, I think I will be a Chemistry professor for another 10 years, and then I will go completely into a musician. I am actually doing music secretely now. I am not old yet, so I can still be a Chimist and a Musician at the same time. I know at last, when I have ot choose, I will be a Musician, though."
That's enoguh for me. I explained that I "dreamt" of doing what he plans to do. I just never get a chance to know anyone like that. I am not confident in putting my dreams to reality. I was told that I am not a genius, and I am slow. I couldn't be a superman. Now, I know that it's possible. It'sjust how you define "super"
"Time is not an issue. I started to concentrate on Hindu music eight years earlier. Now I got some achievements on it."
"It's good for you that time is not an issue."
"Of course. If not, what's life is for?"
The office of the Chemistry instructor, David H. Gray, was filled the peaceful Hindu Classical music and laughter at that instant. Time can stop sometimes.
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I don't expect many of you will get this. I shared this with my roommates, but they just think it's another entertainment I was giving. Perhaps one couldn't feel how's it's like without actually feeling it. It is always more difficult to find someone who understands you than you find a best friend. I still have a lot to learn. Life's difficult, but it's worth it.
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