Maddie Stonebraker ‘27
Nov 8, 2024
A lfred Ma ‘25 is a four-year member of the school’s band and a music department teaching assistant (TA); he has made history at Mercersburg as the first student selected for the Pennsylvania All-State Concert Band. In addition, his musical excellence has earned him an Associate’s Diploma from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). This prestigious milestone recognizes his advanced technical skills and dedication to music. Now in his senior year at Mercersburg Academy, Ma reflected on the achievements and challenges that have marked his journey as a dedicated musician, leader, and mentor.
Ma spoke with enthusiasm and gratitude about his musical journey at Mercersburg. “My experiences with the band have been great. Having been a player in the band for four years now, I can confidently say it is a great program that continues to grow,” he says. This year, Ma has taken on the new role of TA, supporting younger students in their musical learning, an experience he acknowledges as both challenging and rewarding. “It has been difficult adapting to the role of TA in the band, as I’ve had no experience teaching others and I’m learning a lot every day,” he reflected.
Shami Beni, Mercersburg’s band director, highlights Ma’s growth as a musician and mentor, praising his resilience and humility. “He’s been a part of the music department since freshman year, not just as a player but as a leader. This year, he’s been a strong leader in the music department, helping foster a sense of practice and belonging among other students,” Beni says. “Alfred is great with criticism and is very open to learning new things that he didn’t know before, using that knowledge to improve himself and other students. Overall, he’s grown a lot, not just as a musician but as a person.”
Ma credits his growth to mentors like Beni and Professor Steven Mead of the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, UK. Mead, regarded as one of the world’s leading euphonium players, has shaped Ma’s musical path by inspiring him to pursue music performance as a college major. Under Mead’s guidance, Ma feels his musicianship has “improved exponentially.”
In addition to his technical accomplishments, Ma is preparing a feature piece for the upcoming spring concert. It is a personal project that marks his final year at Mercersburg. Reflecting on what he has learned throughout his musical journey, he offers advice to younger students interested in music: “Enjoy the music you play and don’t chase achievements. The passion naturally drives you to improve and will provide much more fulfillment.”
Looking forward, Ma hopes to continue to develop his talents in college and eventually as a professional musician. Beni speaks for the entire department when he says, “Overall, Alfred is a great person and musician, and I hope he continues in the music field.” With his technical skill, humility, and passion, Ma has left his legacy at Mercersburg Academy.