Interview with Ms. Choi by Calvin C.

Why did you decide to become an educator?

Well, first I really liked performing, and taught private lessons in high school, and I enjoyed doing both and sharing knowledge with others. I was still learning but I liked performing, I liked to retain and transmit information. I thought most rewarding thing is when students say they enjoyed the lesson, as it gives me happiness and a scene of achievement 

What did you do before becoming an educator?

Before education, I performed a lot in orchestras and in different gigs, churches, and many different concert halls.

What classes do you teach now?

Guitar, orchestra, general music, and I co-teach band.

What school did you go to?

University of Maryland, College Park Campus, for a Bachelor of Violin Performance (BM), Bachelor of Music Education (BME).

Where did you play?

Some of the places I played were Austria, South Korea, Italy, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, and New York.

For what orchestras did you play?

Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, U.S. Navy Band, Washington Chamber Orchestras, and AIMS.

What’s it like being in a professional orchestra?

It hit me hard, because growing up I thought classical music would be more fun and not as intense as it was in a professional setting. I saw that most of the players were in it more for the money, less for actual understanding of the music. There’s also a lack of cultural diversity in the orchestras. I also realized how difficult it was to be in orchestras full time. Most people don’t realize that it’s very vigorous and mentally draining.

What was your first impression of JW?

“Wow. Middle schoolers are loud!” But they are energetic in good ways and have big personalities. They also create lots of fun moments.

What do you like about JW?

I like how nice and welcoming the staff are, and how diverse the staff and student population is, because I'm not used to seeing such diversity. All the staff are helpful, and I really like my classroom.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve been asked in your job interview?

I think the weirdest question was “What's different about middle schoolers than high schoolers?”

What are your favorite foods?

Oh, that's a hard question, I love all foods, but if I had to choose one to eat for the rest of my life it would be Thai.

What are your hobbies?

Journaling, art/drawing, crocheting, and video gaming.

Band or Orchestra?

Orchestra.

Pineapple on Pizza: Yes or No?

No. It's weird.

Coke or Pepsi?

Coke.

Is cereal a soup?

No. It’s a dessert.

If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?

I think I’d be a weeping willow tree.

Anything else you might want to share with us?

Go JW!!!