My Music. My Story

Master Ka Leung Ching is the founder of the Indianapolis Chinese Orchestra. Known informally as Teacher Ka, he is a self-taught musician who plays 20 to 30 musical instruments. His immigration to the United States in 2000 is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream and a gift to central Indiana’s music scene, where Ka has stimulated an interest in sharing music drawn from worldwide cultures.

My Music. My Story. Teacher Ka ____

by Crystal Hammon

Classical Music Indy extends special thanks to Jarvis Ka for translating during our interview with his father.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR MUSICAL BACKGROUND.

I was born in China during the Cultural Revolution. It was a very difficult environment, and somehow, I think God gave me a love of music and opportunities to learn and study it. From a very early age, I could pick up any instrument and learn on my own.

I always had the desire to come to the United States. I’m so grateful that I was able to realize my dream, and that I continue to have opportunities to play music. Within six months of coming to Indianapolis, I connected with people who were interested in Chinese music. The formation of the Indianapolis Chinese Orchestra in 2010 just happened naturally as more people joined our group.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ORCHESTRA’S BIG MILESTONES?

During the past eight years or so, we have performed more than 100 times at schools, senior living apartments, various festivals, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and churches. Those are all very meaningful performances that allow our group to bring some happiness.

One of the performances I will always remember was the one we did at the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital, where I was treated for cancer. After my surgery, I wanted to give back to the medical staff and nurses. We gave a concert for patients as a way of saying thanks. Even though many in our group have full-time jobs, they supported me by making room in their schedules. For me, it remains one of our most memorable concerts.

CAN YOU GIVE US AN APPRECIATION OF CHINESE INSTRUMENTS AND WHAT MAKES THEM UNIQUE?

All instruments can produce very beautiful music. The beauty comes from how a performer interprets the music. Our group intentionally mixes Western and Eastern instruments. Chinese instruments have a longer history and probably a greater variety of instruments and sounds. The way of reading and writing Chinese music notations is also quite different. In my opinion, the Chinese style of notation is easier to understand and makes it easier to move between keys.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC TO LISTEN TO FOR YOUR OWN PLEASURE?

When I am home, I love listening to regional music from the many ethnic groups in China. It’s the equivalent of folk music. Each region has a very distinct sound based on cultural tastes.

WHAT ROLE DO YOU THINK MUSIC HAS IN CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION?

Music is a universal language that brings people together. It can make you forget language barriers or religious beliefs that divide people. I’ve had students from Russia and the United States. I don’t speak much English, and they don’t speak Chinese, but somehow, I can teach them how to read and play Chinese music. Music helps me express myself and communicate with people from all cultures.

TELL US HOW THE ORCHESTRA WORKS.

Through the years, we’ve had perhaps 50 or 60 people involved. Our numbers rise and fall, but we currently have 20 musicians. Many of them have family engagements and are working professionals who do this in their spare time. The majority of the group meets every Sunday to practice and prepare for performances.

We don’t have auditions. It’s an open group. We’re more about sharing an experience and our love of the music. We welcome anyone who has an interest in Chinese music or wants to learn. We’re also open to opportunities to perform in the community. We just want to share the music as much as we can.

To learn more about the Indianapolis Chinese Orchestra (ICO) or request a performance, visit the Indianapolis Chinese Community Center Inc. website, www. indy-chinese.com. You’ll find the ICO page under Community>Activity Groups. You can also reach them through Stan Jacobs, stanton.jacobs@gmail.com or 317.777.1155