Wycombe Abbey School Changzhou’s Piano Recital by Alumna Cici Shi

31 October 2024 - Changzhou

Cici Shi returned to Wycombe Abbey School Changzhou for her first piano recital since graduating three years ago, captivating the audience with her emotive performance against the serene backdrop of West Taihu Lake.

Cici had been preparing for nearly two months, but the idea had been in the works for over a year. “Last year, my piano teacher Ms. Liu suggested I return for a concert, but I didn’t have time. This year, I agreed without hesitation,” Cici shared. Her journey with the piano wasn’t always smooth. Though she had played since childhood, she arrived at Wycombe Abbey School Changzhou without formal music theory training. Balancing between practice rooms and her dorm, she often questioned her future and wondered which university to apply to.

However, her hard work paid off. Cici was eventually accepted into the Royal Northern College of Music with a scholarship. Reflecting on her choice to transfer to Wycombe Abbey School Changzhou, she credited the strong music program and exceptional teachers for helping her secure multiple offers from prestigious conservatories.

Revisiting the campus for her recital, Cici’s familiar warmth and enthusiasm shone through. She fondly remembered her time at Wycombe Abbey School Changzhou, filled with group activities and weekend events, and how she balanced piano practice with a full school life. “High school at Wycombe Abbey School Changzhou was so fulfilling,” she recalled, “It’s important to engage in various activities to grow in different ways.”

During her recital, Cici reminisced about her fulfilling high school experience, balancing music with various activities. Guided by her motto, “Look ahead,” she embraced the nerves of performing, recognizing the growth it brings. Her commitment to giving back was evident when she volunteered at the school’s English expansion camp earlier in the summer. Looking forward, Cici aspires to become a piano teacher, eager to share her passion and inspire future generations, underscoring that her story with Wycombe Abbey School Changzhou is far from over.