Drum music connecting father, son and beyond

It is never easy to build a music performing career in Hong Kong, and Michael’s path is no exception. He embarked on his musical journey at school when he was a Form One student and his choice of instrument was the erhu (a Chinese two-stringed musical instrument). “My dad loved to play the erhu when he was young, but had to give up resignedly to earn a living. I hope I can help realise his unfinished dream.” However, due to the limited learning quota, he eventually opted for the zhongruan (a Chinese plucked string instrument). His story took a second twist when his “talent scout” came to notice his talent for percussion music. On his teacher’s recommendation, the young lad took up the role of a percussionist in the school’s Chinese orchestra and since then, drum music has been an indispensable part of his life.

Photos courtesy of Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and Michael Chan

In 2003, Michael teamed up with three partners to compete at the inaugural Hong Kong Drum Festival organised by HKCO and unexpectedly won the Hong Kong Synergy 24 Drum Competition. “We’d been learning the drums for about a year when we entered the competition. All four of us neither came from a prestigious school nor received long-term training at the Government’s Music Office. Even today, I’m not quite sure why we won, but courage and determination probably make everything,” he recalls.