OCR Text |
Show ITHURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2000 UNIVERSITY JOURNAL ARTS PAGE 11 Yun continues making music ring at SUU BY JANE CLARK JOURNAL STAFF WRITER unique and ancient instruments. These include the didgeridoo, which is an ancient Australian wind . instrument, and the Shakuhachi, the Japar.ese classical Excitement filled the air of the Music Building as SUU's flute brought to Japan by ancient Zen monks. choral instructor grinned and excitedly explained his Yun has had many opportunities to travel and share plans for the new school year. his unique talent and is currently working on a Beginning only his second year at SUU as assistant composition for the didgeridoo and his choir. professor of choral and vocal His interest in these diverse music, Gerard Yun has already instruments came about while he accomplished much. was completing his doctoral degree. His accolades include working "Doing doctoral work was really as the assistant conductor of the grueling," he said. "I was looking for Rochester Philharmonic something that offered a unique Orchestra in upstate NewYork musical outlet.· and directing a youth orchestra at In addition to directing the choir, the Eastman School of Music. He Yun teaches a variety of classes, has also guest conducted including: aural training, choral professional orchestras in the literature and methods, studio voice Caribbean and Russia. and introduction to music. He also But right now, Yun said he directs the Orchestra of Southern couldn't be happier teaching at Utah, which is a community SUU. orchestra. "The music department here is Yun is of Chinese descent and remarkably strong," he said. "My . comes from a family of eight children. favorite thing about my job is that Before coming to SUU , he taught the students are enthusiastic and music and science in various willing to learn, and I work with California and Colorado high schools strong colleagues.· for a total of seven years. Manl£ people agree that Yun is Aside from music, Yun enjoys definitely no ordinary music Nordic skiing, fly-fishing, biking, professor. backpacking, hiking and rock "You can tell that he loves what climbing. he is doing,· said Jody Shimpach, Members of SUU's faculty and staff music department secretary. "His agree that Yun is an asset to SUU's students love and respect him, growing music program. and he is very good at what he "He is very energetic and does." enthusiastic,· said Shimpach. "He is In the classroom , Yun enjoys very knowledgeable and a lot of fun giving his choral students a Colleagues and students view Gerard Yun as a beneficial part of the music department. to work with." unique view of music, as they study a variety of world music - including works from Russia, Africa and New Zealand this year. "Music is like a window through which I want to see the whole world," Yun said. And not only does he play practically every modem musical instrument, Yun is also proficient on several \. f |