Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2 echoed from the stage of Suntory Hall in Tokyo, Japan: one of Asia’s most renowned concert halls. An emotional yet graceful piece flowed from the viola section, filling the room with a melodic, breathtaking sound, brought to life in part by violist and Hackley senior Mason Lee.
Mason’s journey began with a desire to play the violin. In third grade, he was introduced to Hackley’s music program and hoped to play the instrument, but his father had other plans.
“My dad told me the violin was too screechy and that he didn’t want to get a headache from hearing me learn to play, so he suggested I play the viola instead,” Mason said.
His father had grown up playing the viola, so Mason’s picking up the instrument was not only a way to alleviate headaches but was also a bonding experience for him and his dad.
For the past nine years, Viola has been an integral part of Mason’s life. From summer programs around the world and ensemble groups in New York City to daily practice and weekend performances and competitions, the instrument has shaped his adolescent life. Mason devotes this much time to his music because it’s a labor of love.
“Music is my life. It’s a universal language. It can convey emotion that simple speech just can’t. There aren’t too many violists, and the fact that I can uniquely contribute to the world by making music is really important to me,” Mason said.
The instrument has also taken on an important role in Mason’s personal life. Being the middle child, the viola has not only been a means of self-expression but also a way to find his place in his family. Being the middle child, Mason often found himself left to his own devices. With his older brother and younger sister being extroverted while Mason was introverted, the viola was a way for him to find his “voice” within his family.
“The viola is almost like the middle child of the orchestra, and as the middle child myself, I felt an immediate connection to it. The viola bridges the sound between treble and bass clefs, the violins and cellos. Playing the viola has helped me become aware of the opportunities you have in the middle, such as being able to bridge gaps between different groups and facilitate connections,” Mason said.
The opportunities he has been given, like his pre-college program at the Manhattan School of Music and playing with the Grammy award-winning New York Youth Symphony, to the experiences he’s had playing viola, traveling across Asia, are reasons Mason cherishes the instrument so much. He has had the chance to make lifelong friends and connections through music.
Last summer, Mason had one of the greatest experiences of his life: the chance to tour Asia with Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Orchestra. Traveling to Osaka, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, and Seoul, Mason got to explore these cities for three weeks, along with a two-week residency. Getting to share his music, bond with fellow musicians, and travel the world, he got to immerse himself in the rich cultures of other countries while doing what he loves.
“You become very close with the 95 other musicians, you really get to submerge yourself into the music, and you meet professional guest artists. For someone who loves music so much, it was the best thing I could’ve possibly experienced and done,” Mason said.
From a competitive standpoint, Mason has also had many astounding accomplishments within the field of music.
“Last year, I was a YoungArts winner for classical music/viola, and I got into the semi-finals of the Johansen International String Competition. It only happens every three years, and making it was extremely surprising and exciting for me,” Mason said.
Mason has also had an extremely successful career as a violist at Hackley. Participating in the orchestra program since third grade, his contributions to the music program have been appreciated by students and teachers alike.
“Being in an orchestra with Mason is great. He connects really well with the program and is a consistent member of the group, giving every piece 110% of his effort,” senior Gabi Nunes said.
Some of his greatest contributions to the Hackley orchestra, though, are his positive attitude and mentorship abilities. Always being the first to offer a helping hand to fellow students or being willing to contribute, Mason’s drive makes him an excellent addition to Hackley’s program.
“In rehearsals, his warmth and supportive nature are really helpful in a student group with a lot of different levels of players. He brings a level of professionalism to the program that really lifts up each rehearsal,” performing arts teacher Lauren Rigby said.
Though playing the viola has been extremely rewarding and fulfilling, it has also been taxing at times. Attempting to balance his dedication to the instrument and his rigorous academic work has been no easy feat. Over time, though, Mason has learned effective ways to optimize both his time with the viola and his time with schoolwork.
“I’ve learned that balancing is mostly about practicing effectively. You can practice for three hours, but if not done correctly, it may not be quality practice. A teacher once told me that you just need 45 minutes. If you focus on quality over quantity and practice with care, you will become better and still have time for your other work,” Mason said.
From exciting opportunities to self-discovery, the viola has taught Mason so much about himself and the world around him. He plans on using the wisdom the instrument has given him for the rest of his life, playing music for many years to come.