The Sound of Perseverance: Kevin J. Hong’s Clarinet Journey from Eaglebrook School to Golden Prestige 2025
- WOMCO
- 1d
- 2 min read
Kevin J. Hong, a Korean young clarinetist from Eaglebrook School, received the First Prize and the Special Prize for Excellent Musicianship in the Young Artist (Age 14–17) category of the Golden Prestige International Music Competition 2025 Season 3, for his video performance of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto K. 622.
Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey in music, for example, the schools you’ve studied at, the teachers who have guided you, and how long you’ve been studying, as well as your goals for the future?
I am a student at Eaglebrook School, and I love all kinds of art. I have been playing the clarinet for four years and have been an active participant in my school’s band, jazz band, and music club. I also perform music for the community and enjoy how it positively affects people. Ms. Melnik, my band teacher at Eaglebrook, taught me the joy of bringing all the instruments into harmony and the importance of teamwork to create music. Music unites us.
Could you tell us more about your award-winning clarinet performance "W.A.Mozart, Clarinet Concerto K. 622 2nd Mov"? For instance, how did you prepare for it, bring it to life, or are there any interesting behind-the-scenes stories you’d like to share?
I enjoy playing fast, rhythmic music and have a broad range of musical tastes, from classical to jazz. While practicing this piece, I found it challenging to play the long, intricate notes. I had to concentrate on intonation and embouchure to produce the best possible sound quality.
What did a typical day of practice look like for you, and how did your family support your passion? How do you manage your time between training and schoolwork?
During spring break, I dedicated time to practicing this piece extensively, as I had no school to attend. The practice procedure went by first reciting it in its entirety to get a good overall sense, and then focusing on sections that needed improvement or were more challenging. This dedicated and focused practice helped me significantly improve my performance and gain more confidence in my capabilities.
Would you like to share your experience participating in our competition and anyone you'd like to thank?
Participating in the Golden Prestige Music Competition is a privilege, and I am honored to win first place. It’s fantastic to have a virtual competition where I can compete against students from all over the world.