Misha Lobban, Contributor
Best friends are like diamonds, precious and rare. (Unknown)
Jessica Yap is an extraordinarily gifted violinist who has captured the hearts of Jamaicans and audiences overseas, since she began performing publicly at the age of 13 years old.
The unassuming 15-year-old student of Campion College stays focused and has remained unfazed by the media exposure and the limelight.
Her exceptional talent as a violinist began at the age of seven years, when she was the youngest in the Caribbean to gain a distinction in grade five theory examination with the Associated Board of The Royal Schools of Music in London, England.
She has since maintained distinctions for violin in all grades. At the age of 13, she achieved a diploma in violin performance and was awarded a scholarship to attend University of India for the summer of 2006, where she studied with renowned teachers Mimi Zweig and Carol Cole. Jessica is the recipient of the most outstanding performer for three consecutive years in the Music Teachers' Festival, held in Jamaica biennially.
all genres of music
Although she is classically trained, Jessica has broadened her repertoire to include all genres of music, including reggae, jazz and R&B. Among her many guest appearances are performances at the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, the Miss Jamaica Universe Pageant, as well as performances with the New England Orchestra and events in Washington and Florida.
Her best friend is Janique Watts, 16-year-old student of Campion College, who plans to pursue studies in medicine after she completes high school. Janique tells us about Jessica's sassy and vibrant personality and her sense of determination. We also learn in this week's feature that, in addition to being a gifted violinist, Jessica is also an avid tennis player and competes in tournaments for Campion College.
How did you meet Jessica Yap, and how long have you been friends?
We have been friends since first form at Campion College. On the first day of high school everyone was timid, but Jessica was so bold and vibrant that I felt at ease talking to her, and we became friends, and have remained friends ever since that day. Our friends say that I 'mother' her but I am just protective of her because she is so small and cute.
Tell us what you admire most about her and why you think you have remained friends all these years.
She is very focused and strong-willed. She is also very mature and responsible, and I admire how well she manages her time. She is able to juggle her music career and the demands of schoolwork. She is doing a mix of business and science subjects which are time- consuming, and whenever we have sleepovers at her house and she has to practise, I realise that playing the violin is also a lengthy and tedious process, yet she handles the demands on her very well. I admire the fact that she never backs down from a challenge, and I like the air of confidence she has onstage whenever she performs.
Jessica has a sassy and vibrant personality and sometimes I am taken aback by her boldness, but I respect the fact that she is always honest and she speaks her mind. I am more laid-back in terms of my personality but we have a lot in common, in that we both love music and we share the same drive for academic excellence. We also share the same moral views on life, for example, we don't believe in drinking, smoking or engaging in some of the activities that some teenagers do. We can talk about anything with each other and we respect each other. These are some of the reasons why we are friends.
Tell us something interesting about Jessica.
An interesting thing about her is that she is very down to earth and humble, even though she is in the limelight.
In addition to juggling school and music, Jessica also plays tennis very well and competes for Campion College in tournaments. She has been doing this since third form.
What are some of the things you talk about when you get together?
We spend a lot time together, including holidays. We go to the beach and movies together. My parents are overseas so I also spend my time with her and her family, like going out to dinner with them.
During the times we spend together we talk about events in school, fashion and books. We both love to read and so we discuss the books that we are currently reading. We also talk about family life and our plans for the future. We both dream about going to university and studying together, as Jessica also plans to study music.
Share with us one of the happiest moments you have experienced with her.
We have had many happy moments but one that I have always remembered was a weekend that I spent at her grandparents' home in Montego Bay. It really enjoyed it. Her grandparents were very warm and for me it was a special time of bonding with them (both of my grandparents have passed away).
Tell us the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of her, and why.
Bold, she is outspoken and she will always speak her mind. It's her honesty that I really respect.
What are her favourite food, favourite music and favourite sport?
She is a picky eater but she loves Snickers and cheesecake and her mother makes the best cheesecake.
She loves alternative (modern) music and soca.
Tennis.
Tell us the colour that you associate with her:
Yellow - signifying someone you'll never forget
Orange - signifying someone you consider your true friend
Red - signifying someone you really love
Green - signifying someone who has had a significant impact on your life.
That's hard, I would choose red because I really do love her, and orange, because she's my true friend and it is also her favourite colour.
Jessica and I have fun together and we are comfortable being friends. We don't argue and we respect each other. Our friendship has also extended to the relationship that has developed between our families, and I know that we will remain friends for a very long time.
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