Listen to Christian Tong play the piano and you will most definitely be aware that you are listening to a wonderful talent. What may surprise you though is that Christian is only 13 years old.
Christian’s talent has been recognised by the City of Ryde and has been selected as one of eight finalists to compete in the Ryde Shine Ability Competition to be held on December 5. This competition is a competition for people living with a disability and is one of the initiatives of Council’s disability action plan. Needless to say, Christian is very excited to have made it to the finals and will be performing Notturno, by Grieg which he selected himself. So why this piece? “I really like this piece so I picked it for the competition, and for the qualifying video I played Lecoucou by Louis-Claude Daquin”.
Christian started piano lessons at the age of seven and today also plays baritone horn and cello. “I enjoy the sounds and the melodies of these instruments” comments Christian, who practises playing music every day.
Mr Elijah Carlin, Year 7 Leader of Wellbeing at Marist College Eastwood, says “Christian is a student who brings positive energy to our school community. He loves coming to school and has been recognised for his 100% attendance rate.” Despite the challenges he faces, Christian always does his best both in the classroom and in any extra-curricular activity he elects to participate in.” The 5 Book Blitz Challenge was one of these activities which Christian said he really liked because he likes to read different stories.
“Christian is a wonderful example of tenacity, dedication and commitment, facing challenges head on and striving to achieve personal best”, says Principal Ms Silvana Rossetti. We have a wonderful Diverse Learning team who work with Christian’s teachers adjusting teaching strategies which allow Christian to study the complete Year 7 curriculum.
Ask Christian what he wants to do in the future and he quickly tells you “I want to perform! If I perform in an orchestra I will play the cello, if I perform in a band I will play the horn and if I can play in Masses I will play the piano.”