Music breaking down barriers
An 11-year-old piano maestro is using his love of music to overcome language barriers in his small town.
Jimmy and father Xiao Feng Sun moved to Snells Beach in north Auckland from China nine months ago to learn about New Zealand culture.
Because they don’t know how long they will be here, they haven’t bought a piano.
But Jimmy, who has played piano since he was 4 years old, cannot bear not tinkling the ivories.
Luckily, the Warkworth Lions Club last year installed an open air piano outside the Warkworth i-Site – and Jimmy and his dad use it each week, staging impromptu concerts, to the delight of passers-by.
‘‘I love to play piano. ‘‘When I have a chance to play, I will enjoy that chance,’’ Jimmy said.
Once or twice a week, Jimmy’s father will meet him after school at Mahurangi College and take him to play the piano.
Xiao Feng Sun, who has played the violin since childhood, often brings his violin so they can play together.
‘‘It helps us maintain a good relationship,’’ Jimmy said. While Sun enjoys playing traditional Chinese music, Jimmy is inspired by French pianist Richard Clayderman.
The pair speak limited English but say music helps them keep connected.
‘‘Music is a popular language. When we play music, everyone can understand.’’
Murray Chapman, manager at One Warkworth Business Association, loves hearing Jimmy play. ‘‘I’d love to see some school musicians come down with other instruments and jam.’’
When asked if she ever gets sick of the piano, i-Site manager Asher McLanachan said it was lovely to hear people playing it properly.