Senior Jiye Park follows in the footsteps of esteemed artists Yo-Yo Ma and Judy Garland as she was recently given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall on February 9, 2014.
Beginning her musical journey at the age of ten, Park has always had a deep passion for music.
“My mom was the one who taught me how to play the piano, my first instrument,” Park said. “After some time, I started taking a piano class with my friend at a community center, where I was able to perform in front of an audience for the first time.”
Although Park was initially interested in piano, she eventually realized that she was much more fascinated by a different instrument.
“One day after the class, I saw someone playing the flute,” Park said. “I was drawn to the sound and the shiny appearance of the foreign instrument. My mother gave me her flute that she used for a year in college and bought a curved head joint because my arms were too short to properly press the keys. It was a struggle at first; I had to be taught how to form an embouchure [mouth shape] and breathe properly.”
As she continued her musical career with the flute, Park became even more invested in her practices in hopes to progress.
“My love for the flute grew as I was advanced in skill and was able to express myself through music,” Park said. “The joy that playing the flute brought me encouraged me to continue playing for all these years.”
Park spends around an average of an hour every weekday and two hours every weekend practicing with her teacher, Dr. Nora Lee Garcia-Velazquez. Additionally, she plays at the Florida Young Artists’ Orchestra every Sunday for two and a half hours. If she has an upcoming performance, she devotes even more time.
“Jiye is a very talented young flutist full of passion, peace and happiness,” Velazquez said. “Her outlook in learning is based in loving what she is doing, a positive outlook, curiosity and daily persistent in practicing.”
Park’s talent and work ethic isn’t only reflected in her music.
“Jiye works extremely hard in everything she does, and music is no exception,” said her sister sophomore Allice Park. “She is very passionate about music and never gives up, which is really the reason she has had so much success in her musical career.”
Because of her musical inclination, Park reveals that it isn’t difficult for her to stay on task.
“I play for the moments when I’m able to totally immerse myself into the music and emotionally move audiences,” Park said. “It’s amazing how the culmination of the crescendos and diminuendos, fortes and pianos, as well as staccatos and slurs are able to emulate emotions and tell stories. I always get goose bumps when the band or orchestra builds up to the climax of the piece where everyone is playing passionately.”
The Carnegie program was recommended to Park by Velazquez. After deciding to apply, Park prepared all the excerpts for the audition and sent the recordings in early October. She only had one week to prepare for this prestigious international competition.
“The reason she was great for this program is that she will share this with many around the world and inspire many in the future,” Velazquez said. “I know one day Jiye will go back to Korea, and many will want to be like her. She will share many stories but the one that will be very important for her is her Carnegie Hall performance!”
After devoting lengthy hours and an immense amount of effort, Park was finally able to experience the performace of a lifetime.
“It was definitely a performance I will never forget,” Park said. “Surprisingly, I did not get nervous when I stepped on stage. It could have been because of the overwhelming state of awe. It was amazing to have stepped on the stage on which so many other great figures had performed. It was crazy to think of all the notes that were embedded in the walls of the hall.”
Park’s growth as an artist has progressed even more because of her memorable performance at Carnegie.
“This performance has been a great source of encouragement and inspiration for me,” Park said. “Whenever I feel tired or frustrated about playing the flute, I willthink back to that moment and be energized to work harder and really enjoy making music.”
With music being such an important aspect of her life, Park credits her family and especially her mother for her growing passion.
“I’m so thankful for my mom who helped me start my musical journey and allowed me to pursue my interests,” Park said. “I’m also thankful that my parents were able to drive me to and from the numerous private lessons and helped me take part in various music programs that have furthered my musical horizons.”
With the support she receives from her family, Park’s success and work ethic have had an impact on her siblings.
“My sister has had so much success in her musical career,”said Allice Park. “She has taught me to continually strive forward and reach for every opportunity.”
Park hopes to continue to grow even more as an artist in the future, as well as inspire those around her to do the same.
