by Stephanie Peng, staff writer

He plays every instrument that exists. Almost. There’s the piano, the violin, the guitar, the bass, the snare drum, the tenor drum, the mandolin, the ukulele, the cello, and the organ. Future projects include the banjo, the accordion, and several brass and woodwind instruments.

For senior Brendan Phung this broad range of instruments allow him to explore any genre and create his own unique sounds without any bounds.

“Songs with a cool sound made me want to figure out how to emulate it,” said Phung. “I love the ability to be flexible and create music anytime.”

“Brendan is always open to try new things,” said Cal choir teacher Lucerne Mottaz. “During last year’s concert, he played violin so he had to transcribe all the notes, but he did a great job.”

As with everything grand, Brendan’s impressive musical prowess started small. Piano was his first and favorite instrument. His mom taught him the basics and soon he got a private teacher.

“I definitely wasn’t a prodigy at first,” joked Phung. “Well, I know I hated practicing and got yelled at a lot.”

His talent became more apparent the more he explored his interests beyond what his parents and teachers pushed him to do. In middle school, he picked up drums, guitar, and violin, took some lessons, but mostly learned on his own.

“He can listen to any song and play it, he’s good at everything, and he has perfect pitch,” said junior Miranda Shakes. “People call him DJ Phungtime.”

Since entering high school, his passion for music has only grown. In addition to recording and practicing on his own time, he played in the Jazz Ensemble for two years and sings for the Cal High Choir.

“He already came in with a great musical foundation,” said Mottaz. “His quiet confidence and leadership have brought a lot to the program.”

Sophomore year, Phung was also inspired to start a jazz group called “White Rice”.

“During one of our Jazz Ensemble concerts, our combo had three white guys and an Asian,” said Phung. “We weren’t exactly a rock band, but it was really fun.”

The group featured Phung on piano, senior Evan Hillis on bass, senior Graham Harper on guitar, and Cal graduate Michael Henning on drums.

“I really enjoyed getting to jam with Brendan,” said Hillis. “He’s very skilled as a musician, but also very compassionate and funny as a friend.”

White Rice broke up last year, however, when Harper moved to study music in L.A. and Henning graduated from Cal.

“I’m not in an official band anymore, but that doesn’t matter. We still love getting together and doing musical ideas,” said Phung.

As a neoclassical composer, guitar songwriter, and jazz improviser, Phung draws his inspiration from many sources. His iTunes library runs 250 GB, and the number is growing each day. For each instrument, different artists speak to him. In addition, Phung listens to literally anything he can get his hands on. Some of his favorite mainstream artists include Drake, Maroon 5, Ke$ha, and Foster the People.

“I’m very open-minded when it comes to genres. Right now, I’m more inclined to indie and alternative. I even went through a metal phase, which was interesting,” said Phung. “I could list all my inspirations, but that would be an article in itself.”

Phung emphasizes that to him, music is not just a side hobby, it’s a rich and rewarding lifestyle. The emotional connection that he feels, helps him express himself and overcome daily challenges.

“I can always find something to listen to, that not only connects to my current mood, but also builds up to a happier mood,” said Phung.

Of all the instruments he plays, one of the most valuable has been his voice. As part of the Cal High choir since sophomore year, Phung has been highly involved in every aspect of the program.

“His energy and enthusiasm for the class are boundless,” said Mottaz. “We have so many funny memories with him.”

Brendan especially enjoys that choir teaches the mechanics of music as well as develops incredible bonds within the group.

“Team work and life skills go beyond just music,” said Phung. “Some of these people are my best friends.”

As a graduating senior, Phung plans to pursue a music degree in college. The influence that music has had on him would make it impossible not to continue with it. He’s looking into both areas of Music Composition and Biochemistry.

“I’m the one playing the music, but the music is also shaping me,” said Phung.