Meet Jieun Woo, Maestro Of Tomorrow Runner-Up

By Derrick Smith, Classics for Kids Intern

The last few months have been all about summer, sunshine, and for these young artists, strings! I had the honor of speaking to some of the Maestro of Tomorrow honorees and I'm glad to say that as far as classical music goes, our future is in good hands.

The purpose of the Maestro of Tomorrow contest was to highlight young local musicians and ask them to imagine their lives with music beyond high school. When asking Maestro of Tomorrow runner-up Jieun Woo about her future with music, it was obvious that this was only the beginning. She said that she “definitely planned on continuing orchestra in college and doing more ensembles like this trio” (referencing the Jieun Woo Trio comprised of Jieun, her younger sister, and church friend.)

Music has already taken a large role in these young adults' nonacademic lives in the form of private Zoom lessons, daily practices, and rehearsals. While all these take great discipline, what never ceases to amaze me is how music plays a pivotal role in people's social lives as well as a way to connect. With everyone being inside their houses for the better part of the past year, it is easy to forget how social of a thing music really is, and how it brings us together.

In my interview with Jieun Woo, she spoke about not being able to see her grandparents in person so as an alternative she would play for them over Zoom call. You can listen/watch more of my interview with Jieun Woo below.

Once again, I want to thank the Maestro of Tomorrow runner-up, Jieun Woo, for speaking with me. I'm excited to see where music will take not only our Maestro of Tomorrow contestants, but the new generation of musicians as well.