raknovel Chapter 87 The Origin of the School Song, and the Triumphant Graduation Party
Chapter 87 The Origin of the School Song, and the Triumphant Graduation Party
Chapter 87 The Origin of the School Song, and the Triumphant Graduation Party
Night.
China Conservatory of Music
The summer heat had not completely dissipated even after sunset.
The college was filled with an excitement and a sense of parting that was even more intense than the temperature.
It's graduation season again, and the locust blossoms have long since fallen.
Under the lush green shade of the trees, students who are about to leave school are still strolling around in twos and threes, their laughter mixed with barely perceptible sobs, as well as confusion or anticipation about the future.
This year's graduation ceremony is destined to be different from previous years because of one person.
Lin Hanjiang.
Over the past two weeks, this name has been widely known across the country thanks to the media's brainwashing-style bombardment and the melodies of "The Story of Spring" and "Entering the New Era".
He also became one of the most sensational graduates in the history of this prestigious music academy.
She won the gold medal in the folk singing category at the CCTV Young Singers Competition with a record-breaking score of 9.888.
These accolades allowed him to reach heights that many others could only dream of before he even left school.
As is customary, such outstanding graduate representatives are required to perform at the graduation gala, and the song selection is almost self-evident.
It's either "The Story of Spring," which made him famous overnight, or the magnificent "Entering the New Era."
It showcases the college's educational achievements while also aligning with the graduation theme, making it a perfect match.
However, the school leaders soon discovered that things were not so simple.
The atmosphere in the dean's office was somewhat delicate a few days ago.
Dean Fan, his hair now streaked with gray, adjusted his reading glasses and looked at the head of the vocal music department and several vice deans sitting opposite him, his face a mixture of helplessness and bewilderment: "What on earth is Lin Hanjiang thinking? The entire school, and countless audiences in the community, are hoping to hear 'The Story of Spring' or 'Entering the New Era' again at our own graduation gala. What a wonderful opportunity! It would allow him to give back to his alma mater and further solidify his artistic image, but what has he done?!"
Dean Fan shook his head. "He made it clear that he'd rather not sing those two old songs."
"We've spoken with Director Jin several times," sighed Deputy Director Wang of the Vocal Music Department. "We hope Director Jin can advise him as his mentor. After all, singing his signature song is the safest and most appropriate thing to do in this kind of situation. But Professor Jin—"
"What did Director Jin say?" a vice president pressed.
"Director Jin only has one sentence."
Deputy Director Wang imitated Jin Tielin's calm yet unquestionable tone.
"His artistic path was his own choice; what he sings and how he sings it should also be his decision, and I respect his choice." He was invited three times, but the attitude was always the same—he wasn't even allowed in the door.
"These two—" Dean Fan said, both amused and exasperated, "are stubborn like two peas in a pod. One is bold and daring, even daring to give up his secure job at the General Political Department. The other is just willing to let go and watch his disciple run wild without stopping him. We, as leaders, are caught in the middle, feeling like we're in the wrong place at all."
"What should we do then? We can't really stop our gold medal graduates from going on stage, can we? What will the outside world think of our college? Will they say we're suppressing outstanding talent? Or that we can't even manage our own students?" Another leader in charge of student affairs asked worriedly.
Ultimately, the school was the only one left to compromise.
They invited Lin Hanjiang to their office again for a frank and equal discussion.
"Hanjiang, huh?"
Dean Fan personally poured him a glass of water, speaking in a gentle tone.
"Your achievements are the pride of the college. The graduation gala is an important stage for you to say goodbye to your alma mater, teachers, and classmates. Everyone is looking forward to your performance. How about you reconsider? Even if you only sing 'The Story of Spring'?"
Lin Hanjiang sat upright, his attitude respectful, but the determination in his eyes was clearly visible: "Dean Fan, teachers, I am very grateful for the academy's nurturing, and I am very willing to sing for you at the graduation gala. However, I have already expressed those two songs in the CCTV Young Singers Competition and previous performances. Graduation is an end for me, but also a brand new beginning. I want to sing a new song for my alma mater, for myself, and for my graduating classmates, as the end of this journey and the beginning of the next. If I can only sing old songs, I'm afraid I will not be able to perfectly express my feelings at this moment."
His words were sincere, his reasoning was sound, and he even subtly revealed an artist's dedication.
The school leaders looked at each other, knowing that further persuasion would be useless.
"A new song?" Deputy Director Wang seized on the key point. "You've prepared a new piece? What's the theme? What's the style?"
"It's a song about young people."
Lin Hanjiang's answer was somewhat vague.
"If the teachers agree, I can rehearse first, and I would appreciate your guidance."
At this point, the school leaders seemed to have no choice but to nod in agreement.
Or rather, it was the power of that song that made them not only nod willingly, but also ignite an unprecedented ambition within them.
The hasty rehearsal a few days ago, which is destined to be recorded in the school's history, still stirs up strong emotions among several core leaders when they recall it.
That afternoon, only a few basic lights were turned on in the concert hall, and the empty stage and sparse seats below were shrouded in a cold halo.
There was only one grand piano placed on the side of the stage, and the performer was a piano teacher. The sheet music was handwritten by Lin Hanjiang on the spot.
Lin Hanjiang walked to the center of the stage, faced the microphone on the pole, and without saying anything more, simply said, "Teacher, you can begin."
Then he closed his eyes.
The prelude is a simple yet powerful piano arpeggio.
It carries an epic narrative feel and a march-like rhythmic tension, reminiscent of modern pop music.
In just a few short segments, Dean Fan Zuhong, who had been relaxed in the audience, slowly straightened his body from the back of his chair.
Lin Hanjiang began, "The rising sun shines brightly, its path is vast and glorious—"
It's not a folk song!
It is popular music sung in a popular style.
As the music ended, the lingering notes seemed to still resonate in the empty hall.
The piano teacher forgot to stop, staring blankly at the sheet music.
The audience was completely silent.
A few seconds later, a few gasps of cold air were heard.
"These lyrics are from Liang Qichao's 'A Discourse on Young China'!"
Dean Fan was the first to stand up, his voice filled with excitement.
"What's the name of this song?"
"The tentative title is 'A Discourse on Young China'," Lin Hanjiang replied with a slight bow on the stage.
"Ode to the Youth of China! Excellent! Excellent! What a wonderful Ode to the Youth of China!"
Dean Fan said "good" three times in a row, his excitement evident in his words.
"Using the form of popular music to forge the soul of Chinese youth, it possesses both superb artistic pursuit and great dissemination and appeal. This is not just a song; it is practically a spiritual battle song tailor-made for our music academy, no, for all contemporary Chinese youth students."
Deputy Director Wang excitedly chimed in, "Dean, this song is perfect! The melody is uplifting and the lyrics are profound, easily resonating with students. I think it can serve as a kind of spiritual symbol for our college."
He almost blurted out the words "school song," since the existing school song leans more towards traditional solemnity, while this version of "Ode to Young China"...
This will undoubtedly ignite the passion of young students.
A vice dean adjusted his glasses and added from a professional perspective, his voice equally excited: "The arrangement is very bold, blending classical, pop, and even rock elements, but at its core is purely Chinese style."
The spirit of youth. This innovative exploration itself has enormous exemplary significance. Hanjiang, the value of your song is no less than that of "The Story of Spring"!
The leaders quickly exchanged glances and instantly reached a high degree of consensus.
This song must be sung at the graduation party!
And it will be presented as the final piece in a grand manner!
They even wished they could immediately drag Lin Hanjiang to the recording studio and record this song as the official version of the college anthem.
Anyway, Dean Fan himself has this idea.
As they praised him, they mentioned the idea of making it the school song.
Lin Hanjiang politely suggested that the recording be postponed until after the party, citing the upcoming graduation and the need for rehearsals and other preparations.
Although the leaders were eager to participate, they had no choice but to agree, but repeatedly urged them to perform at their best.
With this trump card, the leaders seemed to have gained a lot of confidence overnight.
In the days that followed, the college became extremely busy with phone calls and invitations.
In the past, invitations to attend graduation ceremonies sent to major performing arts troupes, sister art colleges, and famous art troupes were mostly perfunctory, and it was already considered a great honor if a few deputy leaders could attend.
This time, however, Dean Fan personally instructed that the invitation letter should include a brief description of the premiere of an important original work by Lin Hanjiang.
The effect was explosive.
The invitation received an unusually positive response.
And so, tonight's grand occasion came about.
Even before the gala began, the entrance to the concert hall was still bustling with people.
The hall, which could originally accommodate nearly two thousand people, was now not only packed to capacity, but the aisles on both sides and at the back were also crowded with students, teachers and their families who had come after hearing the news.
There were even quite a few music media outlets that managed to get in through various connections, even though they hadn't received an invitation.
The VIP seats in the front row had name tags with red backgrounds and black lettering on the back: the General Political Department Song and Dance Troupe, the Naval Political Department Art Troupe, the Central National Orchestra, the Central Broadcasting Art Troupe — as well as the names of some highly respected musicians and critics.
The college leaders, accompanied by several of the most important guests, hurriedly entered ten minutes before the event began. Their faces were flushed, a mixture of the slight tipsiness from the dinner and the triumphant anticipation of the upcoming show.
Backstage, the atmosphere was equally tense yet exciting.
In the dressing room, Lin Hanjiang had already changed into his performance costume.
Zhou Tao, dressed in an elegant light purple suit, was reciting her script one last time.
She is the special guest host for tonight.
Junior sister Zu Hai wore a festive red dress and had her hair tied in a neat ponytail. She was the opening act, singing "Good Luck," and her face was full of nervousness and anticipation at taking on such an important role for the first time.
"Junior sister, don't be nervous. Just treat it like a rehearsal or singing practice," Lin Hanjiang comforted Zu Hai, who was taking deep breaths.
"Yes, senior brother, I'm not nervous." Zu Hai nodded vigorously, but her small hands were tightly gripping the hem of her skirt.
Zhou Tao walked over with a smile and patted Zu Hai on the shoulder: "Xiao Hai, your singing is the best luck, it will definitely set a good tone for the party. Are you ready? It's almost time."
At 8 p.m. sharp, the lights in the concert hall gradually dimmed, leaving only a spotlight on the stage.
All the noise receded like the tide, and more than two thousand eyes focused on the stage entrance.
Zhou Tao stepped into the center of the stage with a graceful gait and a proper smile, bathed in the light.
Her clear, pleasant, and professionally trained voice resonated throughout the hall through the sound system: "Respected leaders, distinguished guests, dear teachers and students, good evening!"
The standard opening drew enthusiastic applause.
"The June wind carries farewell songs, but also seeds of hope. Tonight, we gather here to witness the successful completion of the 89 graduating class of the China Conservatory of Music, as they embark on a new artistic journey —"
Her introduction was beautiful and emotional, briefly reviewing the academy's nurturing process, thanking everyone for their support, and finally, raising her voice slightly, announcing: "Now, I declare the 89 Graduation Gala of the China Conservatory of Music officially open!"
"First of all, let's give a warm round of applause to welcome Zu Hai, who will be performing the opening song, 'Good Luck'!"