Inside King's-Edgehill School
Last week, I was pleased to offer a video of some of our Korean boys doing a K-Pop dance feature, choreographed by senior, Hyeonwoo "Parker" Kim. This week, I am pleased to give you a look at Parker in a totally different perspective: he is also a talented musician and a master at playing the guitar!
Once per term, the students of our Arts programme organize and hold a Coffee House showcasing talent within the School that exists beyond the curriculum and co-curricular arrangements. Young Mr. Parker Kim is a poster boy of this effort and opportunity. With limited time available, Parker took it upon himself to undertake and learn a solo guitar rendition of the theme song from the box office hit, Titanic; My Heart Will Go On. He did this in the span of one week following his dance routine for the International Cultural Fair Showcase.
On the afternoon of Monday night's Coffee House, Parker arrived at our Concert Hall with his guitar and a brand new amplifier. As soon as he plugged his guitar in, I was captured by the combination of tone, effect, technical skill, and musicianship that came pouring out into the room. I had to record it, and I mean 'had to', I was that impressed with what I heard. I knew Parker was a good player, but this was on another level! I quickly went for the video camera and I asked Parker if I could video tape him. In his gentle manner, and with a grin and a chuckle, he quickly responded favorably; so, I set up the camera immediately.
Here are two renditions of the same piece. The first one is his practise, recorded four hours ahead of his Coffee House debut, and the second clip is his evening performance. The two differ in matter but both result in his personal elation: the rehearsal being fault free and personally gratifying, and the open performance having some minor glitches, yet appreciated by an audience. Both are terrific and gratifying on different levels; which might you prefer, if you were Parker?
Click here to watch Parker's performances.
Click here to watch Parker's performances.