Testimonies
Michelle Hui, Flute
“Having always aspired to pursue the flute seriously, I decided to audition for CASTYO. It was the first orchestra I joined as a student, and the experience I gained became a pivotal period in my musical journey.
The highlight of my time with the orchestra were the opportunities to perform music written by Chinese composers. One of my favourite pieces was Xi Yang Yang. I fondly remember performing it both at a retirement home and at a concert hall. As a Chinese born Canadian, it felt especially meaningful to share my culture through music to the community around me.
I went on to complete my Bachelor in Flute Performance at the University of Toronto and continued to do a Master of Teaching at OISE. I currently teach piano and flute privately, as well as teach elementary students at the York Region District School Board.
A piece of advice I would offer to current CASTYO members is to play along with different recordings when practicing your orchestral music part. By listening to various conductors and ensembles, you'll gain insights into different approaches that can inspire your practice. I also think that experimenting with different recordings keeps practice sessions fresh and engaging, making the learning process much more enjoyable.”
Sunan L., Tuba
"CASTYO has been a part of my life from 2018 to 2023, and it remains my longest and most meaningful orchestra experience. Throughout those years, I had the opportunity to grow not only as a musician but also as a person. Playing the tuba in CASTYO sparked my interest in music and taught me the value of commitment, patience, and collaboration. It also nurtured my desire to help others, whether through supporting my fellow orchestra members or performing for the community. CASTYO has been a place of learning, service, and inspiration, and I will always be grateful for the role it played in shaping who I am today."
Lydia C, Violin
“CASTYO instilled in me a love for chamber and orchestral music and helped me form lifelong friendships. Despite not studying music in university, I was awarded a music scholarship to continue extracurricular music pursuits alongside law school. I would not have had the same musical experiences without the confidence and musicianship forged by my years in CASTYO.”
Daniel Jiang, cello
Dear CASTYO friends,
My five years with CASTYO have been such an important milestone in my musical journey. I feel incredibly lucky to have performed with such an amazing group of friends. Some of the best moments were when we played in Mon Sheong nursing homes and CBC Music Hall, hearing our music resonate through the air—it always filled me with a deep sense of happiness. Of course, there were times when rehearsals felt tough, or balancing school, social life, and the orchestra made things exhausting. But trust me, it's during those challenging moments that you grow the most. Keep pushing forward—you’ve got this!
Christopher F, French Horn
“CASTYO was my first orchestra experience, the place where I began to truly enjoy playing the horn. It exposed me to a wide variety of music, and was an environment that fostered in me diligence and teamwork. I'm very grateful for everything I learned during my time at CASTYO, especially ensemble playing skills and awareness, which have proven to be crucial for my development as a musician.”
Bryan Jiang, violin & trumpet