I am moved by the stories I am hearing from our
graduates as to how Ragazzi has impacted their lives. I have always loved music
and specifically singing and I wanted to share this musical joy with boys
because when I was teaching high school, I found it so hard to recruit male
singers. I have learned that putting the boys together, alone, without girls
makes it safe for them to explore their voices and their emotions. Beyond that,
through Ragazzi, in addition to their musical achievements, they have created
life-long friendships and developed other skills like discipline, focus.
We just had to build it, they have come by the hundreds.
Here is a testimonial from one alum. From Patrick Wong, to the Ragazzi Family:
My name is Patrick "Pawkit
DJ" Wong. I was an active participant and member in Ragazzi for
about 4-5 years (1997-2002); a picture of me is even still on the website in
the "about" section! To this day, I am so honored and proud to
have been a part of such a gifted and talented group of individuals. The
extensive musical training and education we received still proves useful to me
even today!
In addition to
singing with Ragazzi, during my adolescent years I also studied the violin,
piano, clarinet, and saxophone. Having paid tens of thousands of dollars
for over a decade of private lessons in all these instruments, I can still say
with full conviction that none of it compared to the amount of musical knowledge
and wisdom Ragazzi Boys Chorus provided
for me.
Today, I am
currently a full-time college student by day, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in
audio production and music recording, and a seasoned DJ and music producer by
night. I started DJing in May of 2011, and so far have achieved
unimaginable degrees of success on a multitude of levels in just under two
years of solid dedication and commitment to the craft. For example, as of
this moment as I'm typing this, my online SoundCloud profile has generated a
whopping total of 17,875 plays/listens! (soundcloud.com/PawkitDJ)
I am just now testing the waters with music production (starting with mashups)
and the classical training I received in Ragazzi over a decade ago still
pertains and is extraordinarily relevant in helping me to create musically
sound pieces and compositions. For example, my most recent release was a
"duet" I created combining Britney Spears (pop singer) and Skrillex
(dubstep). I was so proud to see that it exceeded 200 plays/listens on
the very first day I uploaded it! In addition, I have been and am
currently the resident DJ at a local venue in the South Bay Area called
Britannia Arms Cupertino where I play live every Thursday night from
10pm-1:30am.
One thing I am
thankful for is how much Ragazzi truly enhanced my ears and gave me the gift of
trained performance listening, which I need to accomplish my daily tasks as a
music producer. It is critical that I am always on high alert for any
unmatched pitches or chords that clash, which are frequent obstructions that
occur when trying to be creative. Fortunately, with my experienced
musical ear, I am able to extinguish these problems quickly. Also, it is
absolutely necessary that I pay close attention to all major and minor chords
and the key signatures of each track that I choose to work with. For
example, if I am working with a track in A-flat minor, then I would need to
compose a countermelody in the same key or, using the circle of fifths, harmonize
with something in E flat minor or even B Major. Fortunately, there is now
computer software that can help supplement and aid in speeding up this
process. But as we all know, technology and shortcuts aren't always
perfect and can never match or replace real life experience.
Overall, I am so
grateful for all of the hard work and dedication from all of the staff and
parents at Ragazzi, especially Joyce Keil. If it weren't for all of you,
I probably would not have attained such high success so early on in this
competitive industry. Even though it's been so long and I was so young, I
will always remember my experience at Ragazzi as my personal blessing as I
continue to pursue this passion and chase my dream. Sincerely, Patrick "Pawkit DJ"
Wong From Patrick Wong
Sincerely,
Patrick "Pawkit
DJ" Wong
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