Sophomore Becky Kim works hard to encourage fellow band students, help lead sectionals and shows her passion for band by playing eight instruments.

While never taking a single lesson in her life, Kim enjoys learning how to play different instruments on her own. Her ability to learn is quick, considering how much time and effort she puts into it weekly.

“Asking me why I do band is like asking you why you breathe air,” Kim said. “It’s just natural.”

According to band teacher Emily Blanshan, band students can learn as many instruments as they want, but they may only play one in class.

Kim enjoys playing the piano, clarinet, bass clarinet, and ukulele. She is still practicing the guitar, bass, trumpet, and she plays the baritone saxophone in Jazz and Wind Symphony band.

“She played bass clarinet and switched to bari saxophone, which is by far her favorite instrument,” Blanshan said.

Every day after school, Kim stays to practice her instruments or just hang out with band students. According to Kim, band is an outlet for her and she has excelled in it. Her friends are always there for her and Kim knows who to talk to when she is feeling down.

Blanshan states that Kim is always there to encourage and cheer others up. Whether it is helping others feel included, or being a role model, Kim is always willing to help.

“She shows leadership everyday in how she acts and interacts with others,” Blanshan said.

Blanshan adds that Kim does not have a leadership position in any of her band classes, but she shows leadership continually.

During an eighth grade pep band night, Kim made it her goal to memorize the name of every eighth grader who was going to participate in band.

“She goes out of her way to meet new people in band,” Blanshan said.

While academics is one of Kim’s top priorities, band is easily her second.

“I want to make state this year and state solo next year, [I want to do a] music program in college, [and] I want to be a professional jazz musician when I’m older,” Kim said.

Sophomore Alina Villa is aware of band having an important place in Kim’s life. Since sixth grade, Villa has been in band with Kim. Villa notices leadership in Kim by how she tells people kindly to listen, practice and work hard daily.

“She has a really good musical ear–people have her listen to their solos [to see how good they sound],” Villa said.

It always surprises Villa when she finds out that Kim is playing another instrument.

“She is incredibly dedicated,” Villa said. “Music is her life.”

Over the years, Villa has noted improvement in Kim’s talent, technicality and technique.

Kim’s passion for band helps others strive towards their goals. Once Villa did a duet in middle school with Kim, and she encouraged Villa to practice every day, whether she wanted to or not. Practicing is one of Villa’s pitfalls, but with Kim’s encouragement, she is able to work harder.

All in all, Kim’s perseverance to strive towards excellence has not only helped herself, but many others. Though eight instruments may seem like a lot, Kim enjoys playing them due to it being an outlet from school, and she sets a wonderful example to her classmates by teaching them how to work hard, push themselves and to try their best in everything.