2021 KNSO International Academy
Testimonial from a Participant
A launchpad to reach new heights
Minju Kim took part in the 1st KNSO International Orchestra Academy in 2021. Afterwards, she passed the audition of the Cheongju Philharmonic Orchestra and has successfully taken a leap as a professional orchestra member. She has talked about how helpful her experience at the KNSO International Orchestra Academy is to her musical growth.
Minju Kim, Horn Assistant Principal at the Cheongju Philharmonic Orchestra
written by Hyesun Jang (Editor, Auditorium)
Q. You have completed the specialist course at the Korea National University of Arts. Have you thought about going overseas for study?
During the school years, my thirst for study was quenched a lot thanks to teaching of Professor Seokjun Lee and Michal Emanovsky. As I truly enjoyed performance at an orchestra, I was just dying to join the Philharmonic Orchestra as soon as possible.
Q. You completed the KNSO International Academy in 2021. Where did you get the information about the Academy?
Together with the KNSO, I joined an opera as a guest member. Since then, I’ve had an interest in the Academy. Once I was informed of the Academy’s announcement, I decided to go for an audition without hesitation. For a year, I conducted various projects such as performances, lectures, workshops and mentoring sessions. All the programs were so beneficial to me that it’s difficult to pick the most memorable activity among them. Above all, I found it very pleased to play even during the COVID-19 pandemic which has brought almost everything to a halt.
Q. Meeting with foreign conductors would be a special experience.
I was told during the lecture by Maestro Vassilis Christopoulos that “you may ask anytime during practice if you have a question.” He meant that “having a question is equal to having a musical idea and the idea can be reflected if it is reasonable.” Afterwards, whenever I had a question during orchestra practice, I went to the conductor during a break and exchanged a lot of ideas.
Q. The mental training workshop of Mischa Greull is still an unknown program in South Korea. What have you felt from the class?
The workshop of Professor Mischa Greull was very meaningful for mental management as he is also a hornist, same as me. If I am tense before performance, it stiffens my shoulders that could lead to unsatisfactory performance. He taught how to do some simple stretching before going up to the stage. Since then, I’ve done stretching before performance or audition without fail.
Q. You had mentoring hours four times each month.
I received mentoring from Principal Seungho Yoon and Assistant Principal Jeongwan Kim of the KNSO. They explained background information regarding composers and their works from various orchestra repertoire each time.
Q. Do you have any program in your mind that has to be included in the curriculum for the Academy to grow further?
Musicians go for one audition after another. Thus, it’d be great to have many mock auditions. In the end, to join an orchestra, passing the audition is the most important.
Q. You have currently worked as a horn assistant principal at the Cheongju Philharmonic Orchestra.
I prepared for an audition when the COVID-19 pandemic turned really serious. I had to take a remote video lesson. There were many difficulties in online lessons. Therefore, I recorded the mentoring at the KNSO International Academy and used it during the preparation.
Q. How helpful the Academy is to you?
For an audition, orchestra excerpts have to be prepared. There is a big difference in the level of immersion between works that I have played before and those I haven’t. I practiced a lot of pieces for 8 months at the KNSO. Luckily, many works that I practiced were included in the audition assignment. Thankfully, I was able to take on the audition easier than expected.
Q. If you give an affectionate advice to younger musicians wishing to join an orchestra, what would it be?
Don’t get disappointed if even you fail to pass an audition. Please think the failure is also an experience that can help you to complement your weaknesses for the next audition. With that in mind, you can achieve a wonderful outcome in the end.
