Maria Wang, Principal Cello

Meet Maria Wang, Principal Cello with the Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra and Lead Strings Teacher with Harmony Project Sooke.

As a professional cellist and music teacher, Maria brings a unique perspective to Harmony Project Sooke. Like many musicians, her career began with a school strings program, in her case in Taipei, Taiwan. There is strong support for arts programs in Taiwanese public schools. Instruments are provided by the school and students attend daily morning rehearsals as well as sectionals after school. 

In Grade 3, as a tallish girl, Maria was offered a bass. When her parents pointed out that a bass is a lot to lug around, she asked for a violin, but all the violins were taken and Maria wound up with a cello. By Grade 6 she had developed a keen interest and in Grade 7 began private lessons. After high school Maria won a full scholarship to West Virginia University, where her sister and brother were studying. The shock, both cultural and academic, was considerable, Maria says. Her first year was spent focused entirely on cello technique.

Maria moved to Victoria in 2012 to study with Pam Highbaugh-Aloni at UVic. 

Fast-forward to the present. Maria is Principal Cello in the Sooke Philharmonic and serves as Lead Strings Teacher with Harmony Project Sooke. Sooke residents will be familiar with this project, founded by Norman Nelson in 2016. Maria took over from Anne McDougall, who retired in 2018. “I learned a lot from Anne,” she says. “She set a high bar. She was strict and disciplined with the students and at the same time supportive and caring.”

Maria believes that a good music program is an essential part of education. It teaches students to take responsibility for their instruments and the importance of showing up and paying attention. They bond into a group, and once they make a good sound together, they are on the way to a lifetime of enjoyment and satisfaction.

Education in Taiwan is highly competitive right from kindergarten. Students are kept aware that how they do in school will affect their whole lives, and they work hard. “Kids over here don’t always think ahead,” Maria says, “and when they reach high school some are not ready for the challenges the future is about to throw their way.”

Children start Harmony Project strings classes in Grade 2 or 3. Drumline students start in Grade 6, and both programs are open to all.

 For more information about Harmony Project Sooke, contact Lorna Bjorklund.