Jason Li has been recognized for his efforts in his contributions outside of his academic life with various leadership and volunteer positions, including the University of Toronto Student Engagement in the Arts Awards. Through his involvement in numerous musical and other campus groups, he has used his passion for music making to enliven U of T Scarborough’s artistic community and create music-making opportunities for others, both on and off campus.
He plays several instruments and participated in the concert band and string orchestra on campus. In his spare time, he was an avid participant in Ultimate Frisbee.
His passion for music led him to bring back Ruckus: The UTSC Alumni & Community Choir in which he served as Executive Director and piano accompanist for three years. He says this was one of his greatest accomplishments while at U of T Scarborough along with his Engagement in the Arts Award.
Having specialized in Arts Management Li says one thing UTSC students should do is get involved with ARTSIDEOUT, either by volunteering or being an executive member, as he was in 2015 and 2016.
“It is an amazing opportunity to be a part of putting on an annual multidisciplinary arts festival that happens once a year in the fall term,” he says.
Where did you go to high school?
North Toronto Collegiate Institute
Why did you choose your program?
During my first year, I was in the pre-management program. At the end of my first year, I was not sure if continuing that path was right for me. At that time, I was taking a lot of music courses and later I had started to find interests in sociology. Before I entered my second year, I discovered the Arts Management program. From there on, I realized this was something that would be more suited for me.
What was your favourite class?
My most memorable class was in a course called Special Topics in Canadian Music. There were one or two weeks where we learned about the Canadian composer, Murray R. Schafer. We had to do a 'soundwalk' around the campus. Often we traverse through campus, rushing to class and stopping along the way to greet friends, we forget about taking the time and slowing down to enjoy the environment that we are surrounded in.
What’s the best-kept secret on campus?
How close we are to nature! Taking a walk through the valley is an invigorating experience.
Quick tip for new first years?
Be involved! Not only will you make new friends and find those with similar interests to you, you will also find yourself much better at managing your time.
Where did you feel most at home on campus?
The third floor of the Arts & Administration Building. It is mostly where all the music and art happens! Shout out to our wonderful AA303 music family!
What would you like the world to know about you?
I think my passion is music-making. The satisfaction of bringing people together from all walks of life, regardless of their career path and continuing a lifelong engagement and enjoyment of music.
I would like the world to know that I am a listener. I enjoy listening to people talking and sharing their own experiences.
What’s next?
A bit of volunteering at Soundstreams for the summer to gain experience in my field and finding ways to continue to be involved either on campus and/or at arts organizations.
To read about more of the class of 2017 graduates click here