Information Technology Services (ITS)
IT@UofT People — Jannie Chien
Published on: February 24, 2025
The backbone of any successful team is its hard-working people. The University of Toronto’s Information Technology Services (ITS) unit is no exception. It is made up of a diverse range of people with an even greater diversity in their interests and talents.
In this segment, entitled “IT@UofT People,” we will get to know our IT@UofT team across the tri-campus community and find out more about their hidden or not-so-hidden talents and/or pursuits outside of work.
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Department: Enterprise Applications & Solutions Integration (EASI)
Title: Information Systems Analyst
How long have you worked at U of T?
I have been working at U of T for seven years and started working at EASI in June of 2024.
What is your secret or not-so-secret talent or hobby outside of work?
I play the violin.
How and why did you get involved in this hobby?
I always sat in on my older brother’s violin lessons and then begged my mom to enroll me in lessons as well because I was always trying to copy everything he did.
Do you have any professional training in this field?
I took violin lessons from the age of six until I graduated from high school. I passed my Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) level 10 violin exam, but I stopped before the final level (associate diploma) because I came to Toronto to start my undergraduate degree at U of T!
Do you have any outstanding memories or accomplishments from this hobby?
My fondest memories of playing the violin are from playing in an orchestra. I played in a youth string orchestra called the Semiahmoo Strings all throughout my adolescent years in British Columbia, and it was such a positive and meaningful experience. I not only discovered the joys of playing in an ensemble, but I also made friends, was introduced to a vast range of musical repertoires and had the opportunity to perform with great musicians both as part of the orchestra and as a soloist. There is nothing quite like the feeling of playing fantastic music with your friends in a great orchestra, and I was sad to leave the orchestra when I moved to Toronto. For years after I moved here, I struggled to find an orchestra that reignited that same feeling I had been missing, but I’m happy to say that my current orchestra, the U of T Campus Philharmonic Orchestra (U of T CPO), has really brought me back to the good ol’ days of my youth orchestra and filled that void.
Who/what are your inspirations?
I am inspired by all those who pursue their passion for music, whether as a hobby or as a full-time career. These days, I am inspired by the U of T CPO’s Music Director and Conductor, Lorenzo Guggenheim (who is also music director and conductor of the Oakville Symphony). Through his founding of the orchestra, he has created an accessible, warm and welcoming environment for musicians on campus. I am very grateful that this orchestra exists and that I get to be part of it.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The U of T CPO is an orchestra on St. George campus that is open to non-music majors at undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as faculty, staff and community members who play an orchestral instrument and want to take some time out of their busy lives to make some music. We rehearse once a week at the Faculty of Music, and we are having our next concert on the evening of Friday, March 28, 2025 at Metropolitan United Church. We will be playing Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 2, the Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55 and more. Please get in touch if you’d like to get tickets!