Lucy Zhang ’18, according to the head of the music department Mrs. Hobbs, is, “an exceptional singer, but she is equally gifted as a pianist.” And beyond Zhang’s musical talent, Mrs. Hobbs also praises Zhang’s incredible musical diversity and work ethic.

And as such a prominent musician and indispensable member of Kent’s music society, she shares her talents with the whole Kent school community. She is a choir section leader, vice president of the choir, the co-president of Tri-M Honor Society. Since starting during her third form year, she has never missed any choir rehearsals or performances. During the spring term, she throws herself into the school musical production; and this year, she plays the piano for the orchestra.

But despite her love and talent for music, Zhang had almost given up her music career before coming to Kent: her heavy workload had forced her to bench her passion for music. She explains, “It is in coming to Kent that I finally had the chance to pursue piano and singing.” Now taking on some of the most rigorous courses offered at Kent, she finds time to practice two to three hours a day. She adds, that without Kent, “I would never have realized how much music means to me.”

Music, to Zhang, is not just playing an instrument, but a way to express herself. During a piano camp over the summer, which she describes as one of her most valuable experiences, she came to “understand the true connotations behind music.” She explains that the way musicians blend so many emotions into their performances has always impressed her and that music allows her to communicate emotions beyond simple words. She says,  “I identify myself as a musician and hope that I may influence other people through my music.”