Vivi Kung and I put together a tuba duo to celebrate the end of AAPI Heritage Month.
There aren't many AAPI tuba players, and even less AAPI female tuba players. We wanted to share our unique stories.
Meredith: “I was born in China and adopted at 8 months old. I was raised in an American household and have lived in Central Pennsylvania my whole life. At the grocery store and in restaurants, people would assume that I grew up with Chinese culture based on my appearance. It was sometimes difficult to know where I truly belonged. I am grateful for my American upbringing. I am also grateful that my appearance has taught me to understand that discrimination can cross both nationality and gender. I hope to be an advocate for female musicians, brass players, and tubists who look different than the norm. It is important to celebrate what makes you special! I’m American. I’m Asian. I’m Female. I’m Me.”
Vivi: “In the words of Sandra Oh, it’s an honor just to be Asian. I’m a second generation Taiwanese American woman, and I grew up hating the shame I felt surrounding my parents’ broken English. I was embarrassed to open the home packed lunches I brought to school, asking for sandwiches instead of the meals my mother painstakingly cooked, beginning as early as primary school. Being Asian American is difficult; we all have stories and experiences of trying our hardest to fit in. It took me a long time to finally feel proud and willing to celebrate my heritage and culture. I’m thankful that I’ve been able to find a sense of pride and belonging in my community, and I’m hopeful for what will come in the future. My success as a tubist embodies the strength and legacy of the family members who came before me; here’s to them!”
Happy AAPI Heritage Month!