The clarinet, the "speaker" in orchestras and woodwind's dramatic soprano, yields boundless joy and emotion. From passionate to gentle melodies, it performs flawlessly, revealing its infinite charm. With high technical demands, mastery requires a strong musical foundation and ample experience. Isidro Santos Galindo, a Spanish clarinet teacher at Ningbo British International School, epitomizes excellence in both skill and experience.

The Final Choice of Career- Music

Born in Grenada, Spain, Isidro hails from a family of educators, with both his father and mother employed as teachers. During his formative years, his parents actively encouraged exploration of the world for Isidro and his older sister. They urged participation in diverse activities and the acquisition of various skills, emphasizing education as the key to success. It was his parents who nurtured Isidro's talent and passion for music. Influenced by them, he developed a profound love for music since childhood, and formal studies further deepened this affection. As a teenager, Isidro considered abandoning his musical aspirations, no longer willing to fully commit to music education. Understanding their son, his parents provided the necessary encouragement to persevere. In his final year of high school, Isidro, intrigued by various fields such as computer science and sports, left his future commitment open-ended. Ultimately, in pursuit of his initial dream, he chose music as it promised a fulfilling life. This dedication led Isidro to pursue a bachelor's degree in music, followed by a Master’s degree in clarinet in Belgium. Post-graduation, Isidro embraced teaching, once again inspired by his parents.

Integrating Music into Ningbo

Having lived in Ningbo for nearly 5 years, Isidro expresses deep gratitude for both his personal and professional experiences in this city. While not sprawling, Ningbo, in his eyes, exudes a unique charm. The city's vibrancy has rekindled his musician's dreams and simultaneously fulfilled his other pursuits, such as sports and building friendships. Over the five years in Ningbo, he actively engaged in various musical activities. Whether seen practicing in the music hall during daily campus activities or patiently guiding students in their performances, Isidro's love for music has integrated into his daily life. During school cultural events, he can be found playing the clarinet alongside students. This year, he represented Ningbo in the "2023 New Year Tea Party for Foreign Experts" Zhejiang branch event. He recommended his clarinet solo as a representative performance, connecting live with the main event hosted by the Ministry of Science and Technology. Through the live video performance, he shared his clarinet solo with a broader audience of Chinese and international friends.

Transforming Challenge into Passion

Isidro believes that no matter what challenges one faces, it's crucial to maintain an open mind. Confidence in oneself enables overcoming any difficulty. When asked about the reason for coming to China, Isidro responded with a smile, "New challenges, and enjoying life." In 2019, he seized the opportunity to teach clarinet in China. Isidro wasn't daunted by the prospect of a new culture or language; instead, he embraced the challenge for better career prospects. He acknowledges the challenges in this role but maintains a passionate outlook. When faced with difficulties in work and life, family and friends serve as his advisors, providing the motivation needed. Offering advice to those aspiring to be musicians, Isidro's perspective is clear and concise:” Learning music requires both enjoying the art itself and consistent practice. Music is more like a marathon than a sprint. Becoming a performer or composer is not an overnight achievement. Even a small step in the right direction can make a significant difference. Step by step, note by note, music unfolds seamlessly, mirroring the flow of both work and life”.