Seven years have elapsed since Heng Xiangle’s (BSc (Econ) 2013 and BBM 2013) graduation but he remains very much involved in the SMU arts scene. His passion in the arts began when he was just seven years old, when he started playing various musical instruments. It was only a matter of time before he found himself being drawn to the Chinese orchestra and its grand allure, and has since performed at numerous events.
When Xiangle enrolled at SMU for his undergraduate programme, however, the University did not at the time have a Chinese orchestra. Not to be deterred, he did the next best thing – he co-founded the SMU Chinese Orchestra, or SMUCO as it is best known, in 2009. Recalling the journey, Xiangle shared the “many teething issues” encountered. For example, forming a Chinese orchestra required plenty of space, people, instruments and funding; and as SMU was touted as a forward-looking business management school, Chinese orchestra - deemed as being traditional - was perceived as unique and especially challenging to grow a following. Nonetheless he and his peers persisted, and SMUCO was formed. Today, Xiangle continues to be part of SMUCO as its Assistant Conductor, and the Orchestra is one of SMU’s pride.
“Do not be afraid to try,” is Xiangle’s advice. “It gives greater satisfaction and a huge confidence boost when one witnesses fruits of labour.”
He stressed the importance of remaining passionate in pursuing the arts, believing that exposure to the arts helps in lateral thinking and openness to creativity. When asked to share tips on juggling his full-time job and volunteering in the arts scene, Xiangle brought it down to logistics and good planning. He added that the banking sector has long, stressful work hours; but witnessing the creation of music come to life offers him the much-needed respite after a long day at the office. Being involved in the arts scene also allows him to exercise both his left and right brain; melding creativity with the pragmatic aspects of business.
On SMUCO’s performance at this year’s SMU e-Arts Festival, Xiangle shared that the Orchestra featured four performance episodes.
Of the four, three episodes saw SMU students and alumni partnering with musicians with special needs. Through these episodes, SMUCO hopes to communicate a message of positivity with the idea that as long as one is passionate and determined, any challenge can be overcome.
Xiangle hopes that his knowledge can be passed on to others in the future while he continues to provide support behind the scenes. He wishes for the arts scene to play a bigger role in the lives of SMU students in the same way it had impacted his. He sees the value of the arts, both as a performer and being part of an audience, as the arts encourages growth in creativity and inspires a quest for perfection. He concludes, “Though the results may not always be visible immediately, that day will surely come.”
