This month, The Current is featuring musician, Yoo Shin Tanai, most known for playing the piano and percussion instruments. Aside from his participation in the OHS wind ensemble his vast experience outside of school has warranted him masterful skill in these instruments. He has participated in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) festivals for years, with scores high enough to land him positions in prestigious orchestras and bands. Overall, his ability as a well-rounded musician is apparent as he plays all around Westchester County. The Current interviewed Tanai about these experiences:

TC: How long have you been involved in the school band?

YT: I’ve been playing in the school band since I was in 5th grade, learning percussion under Mr. Piaquidio. I was hooked ever since I began and plan on continuing to learn music on the side. Since my elementary school days I have been playing as part of the school’s wind ensemble, jazz band, marching band, and with bands that I have made with my friends. I’ve never actually taken lessons on how to play percussion instruments, but I have learned a lot over the years on how to play the various instruments.

TC: What instruments do you play? 

YT: My main instrument is the piano, which I have been playing since middle school as well. I also play various percussion instruments but I focus on the mallet instruments such as the marimba or xylophone. I am more experienced playing piano music since I have taken private lessons, but the skills that I learn as a pianist translate to what I play for percussion which is extremely helpful because the instruments are similar.

TC: What brought you to start playing an instrument?
YT: I first started playing percussion because one of my close friends joined the school band, and I wanted to be able to join a class with him.

TC: What do you do outside of school?
YT: Outside of school hours, I take piano lessons every week with my private teacher where I play classical music. I have also been a part of a few bands that my friends have made. We have had a number of gigs in local events such as the Ossining Matters gala, and we were even paid to play once at a clam bake. Currently, I’ve made a band with a few friends we call Blueprint where we play a lot of jazz influenced music.

TC: Do you wish to continue band in college? 
YT: I definitely plan on pursuing music on the side while I am in college. Although I don’t plan on majoring in music and making a career out of it, I am considering minoring in music and joining instrumental groups while in college. I would love to take jazz or improvisation classes and join my school’s jazz band or marching band.

TC: What do you like best about what you play? 
YT: I love being able to play music that I like to listen to and to be able to share that with others. What first inspired me to start learning the piano was that I wanted to be able to play certain songs and play them for others. I love playing the piano because it gives me such versatility that no other instruments have: I have 10 fingers to play 88 notes on the key board, while other instruments can only play one note at a time. I love being a part of the school band because of the sense of community that it gives me, and the fact that we can all enjoy playing the same music.