Harmonica Ensemble Masterclass
For this trip to Hong Kong, we chose to stay in Sheung Wan on Hong Kong Island—a very different experience from staying near Chungking Mansions five years ago. As it turns out, age and income do subtly shape how one travels.
This trip had two main purposes: 1. To introduce the Laelaps series harmonicas to fellow harmonica enthusiasts in Hong Kong. 2. To conduct a masterclass on ensemble and chamber music at the Primary School of King's College Old Boys' Association.After landing on the first day, we met up with the Clover Harmonica Team over local hotpot. We’d only met virtually during online concerts, so it was a special moment to finally connect in person—familiar voices now had faces. We exchanged thoughts on how harmonica scenes were evolving in both Taiwan and Hong Kong. After dinner, Icicle took us on a little walk near Victoria Harbour—soaking in the breeze and city lights made for a lovely end to the evening.
Under the guidance of the RedBricks' teachers, the students showed impressive control and maturity in their chromatic harmonica playing—more stable and technically solid than many of their peers in Taiwan. However, when it came to bass and chord harmonica, an area that’s been more actively developed in Taiwan, the students here seemed to have had fewer opportunities for hands-on practice.
In my ensemble masterclass, students were encouraged not only to play their parts well but also to learn how to listen through sound systems, and get familiar with how amplification affects performance—a new layer of experience beyond just the instruments themselves.
During our downtime, I liked to roam the streets with my 85mm lens camera, quietly capturing everyday moments without disrupting local life. The tiny details that differ from Taiwan always fascinate me. Hong Kong cuisine lived up to its reputation—not just the Teochew-style dishes, but also claypot rice, pineapple buns, and many local specialties. Thanks to the warm hospitality of the parents, we were treated to delicious dishes only true locals would know to order. Being in tourist mode meant our schedule was relaxed, and we were lucky enough to visit many spots and enjoy great food without long waits.
Harry hosted the Laelaps harmonica tryout session at his music studio, where many students and parents—clearly passionate about music—came to test out the instruments. We introduced each model and let the kids try them one by one, comparing their own harmonicas with our handcrafted models. Before long, the studio was buzzing (and quite a bit warmer from all the activity).
During a rare free afternoon, David took us deep into Central. As fellow photography lovers, we had endless things to talk about. I wandered around the antique street, snapped photos of bar-goers at night, and observed the hurried pace of people rushing along the main avenues. Documenting Hong Kong‘s daily moments became a refreshing way to unwind amidst a packed schedule.
To wrap things up, RedBricks treated us to a generous seafood feast near the coast, at a local dai pai dong. We ate, laughed, and shared stories late into the night—and to me, that’s one of the most beautiful parts of harmonica life: the people and friendships that come with it
From my journal, Sept 2024
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