Tianjin Juilliard held its commencement ceremony for Pre-College students on May 19 at the Tianjin Juilliard Recital Hall. CEO and artistic director, Wei He, and chief program officer, Robert Ross, presented certificates to the Pre-College graduates.
The event featured student performances alongside remarks from Ivan Cheah (’87, violin), director of the Tianjin Juilliard School Education Development Foundation, and Yunting Chiang (Pre-College ’24, cello), who gave an inspiring speech on behalf of the graduating class.
The Pre-College graduates will embark on exciting new chapters in their musical education, heading to music conservatories around the world, including the Eastman School of Music, Curtis Institute of Music, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Bard Conservatory of Music, Singapore Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, New England Conservatory of Music, Waseda University, Rice University, Peabody Conservatory of Music, Cleveland Institute of Music, and Arizona State University.
Wanruo Zhang (Pre-College ’24, flute), Jiahao Rao (Pre-College ’24, oboe), Tianhao Luo (Pre-College ’24, french horn), Aoliang Ma (Pre-College ’24, bassoon), and Ruicheng Li (Pre-College ’24, clarinet) performed Jacques Ibert's Trois Pièces Brèves during the ceremony.
Today, you join a growing community of Pre-College graduates. A community that was built here in Tianjin through shared experiences, hard work, overcoming challenges, and celebrating successes together. This community includes not only the 12 of you, but the 34 total alumni who are now studying and living around the world. It includes the Pre-College students who will follow in your footsteps. It includes the faculty and administrators sitting on this stage who have taught and mentored you, and who will continue to be your supporters wherever you go.
Rober Ross
The path of life is filled with challenges and opportunities. May you stay true to your original aspirations at Tianjin Juilliard, cherish every learning opportunity, and consider every performance as the most important one. Enjoy the stage and enrich yourselves. May your youth be full of vigor as you bravely pursue your dreams.
Yunting Chiang (Pre-College ’24, cello)
Pre-College is currently in its 5th year since it was launched at Tianjin Juilliard. There are close to 150 students hailing from 8 countries and regions attending the Saturday program, studying with 53 faculty members.