After coming to America from South Korea, freshman Jason Kim started school by signing up in marching band. Even though Kim is new to FC, he chose to join band for new experience.
Though he is a beginner musician, band director Michael Ogdon recognizes Kim’s hard work and dedication.
“He is learning everything in band, and it is hard to learn both marching and playing at the same time,” Ogdon said. “However, he has to know that he is a hard worker. I want to get to know him more deeply.”
Though Kim displays commitment to band, he claims that he struggles to perform as well as fellow band members. Since joining, he has earned greater respect for musicians.
“I thought playing is really easy, and I did not respect with the band members [sic],” Kim said. “However, when I actually started practicing, I realized painfully that the band students work really hard, so I had to keep exercising to follow that.”
After learning to play the bass drum, Kim is now able to read the sheet music and play. According to fellow band member Matt Adams, ’13, Kim contributes to the overall talent of the percussion line.
“Jason is funny and he is a really hard worker,” Adams said. “He adds different dynamics to the drum line. In a few years, he will be a very good player.”
In addition to Adams, percussion instructor Gary Smith expects Kim to be a paragon to fellow students.
“Jason is the most improved student I have ever seen,” Smith said. “In the past three months, he has learned to read music, how to play bass drum and he is learning how to march, which is hard.”
Kim says he enjoys playing in band and appreciates the directors’ leadership and assistance.
“It is really fun to be in marching band because when we have home football games, we get to go out and perform music as a group,” Kim said. “I also appreciate my band teachers. I have great respect for them leading me.”
In addition to playing the bass drum, Kim enjoys reading books and playing guitar. He says that his time outside of school is more enjoyable due to these activities.
“When the school is done, I’m really bored,” Kim said. “I decided to do something that makes me fun.”
As a foreign exchange student, Kim has had to part from his parents for an extended period of time. When Kim feels lonely or misses his family, he says that the band members serve as a temporary family.
“I love the band members,” Kim said. “I built so many relationships with new people. The students treat me nicely and they answer me friendly when I have question.”
With a passion for learning something new, Kim will continue his work in band this year. Next year, he plans to try sports as another way to take advantage of the opportunities available to him.
The campus marching band will participate in the 91st annual Veterans Day parade in downtown Fresno at 11 a.m., Nov. 11. For more information on band, read the Oct. 29 article, Band to march in Selma Festival.
For more information on band, read the Nov. 1 article, Jazz Band, Ensemble to present dessert concert.
