FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
Spc. Michael Kwak and his family moved from South Korea to
California in 1987 at the age of 15. A stranger in a strange land, Kwak was
faced with adapting to a new culture and a language which he was only vaguely
familiar. It wasn’t easy, and like many children in his position, Kwak
struggled.
Then Kwak discovered something that changed everything − the
universal language of music.
“I have a little bit of difficulty when it comes to
communication,” he says. “But I don’t have that struggle when it comes to
music.”
He played in a number
of bands and ensembles throughout high school and by the time Kwak graduated he
was talented enough to be accepted to the California Institute of the Arts.
Due to life circumstances, school was put on hold during his
sophomore year. He worked in the insurance industry and taught private flute
lessons in the meantime always keeping his vision of being a musician in mind.
That’s when a friend suggested something he had never
thought of: joining the Army, so he decided to give it a try. The minimum
audition score to join was 18. Kwak scored 29.5.
Kwak traveled with fellow 323rd Army Band instrumentalists
from Fort Sam Houston to La Vernia High School in La Vernia, Texas, Aug. 3-7,
assisting with the school’s annual summer band camp.
Participating gave Kwak an opportunity to show students a
non-traditional path to being a working musician. He enjoys giving students an
avenue to test their musical strengths and see what they’re truly capable of as
musicians.
“I want them to really have an interest in what they’re
playing. I don’t want them to waste their potential, he said. “Who knows? One
of them might be a great candidate to join the U.S Army Band.”
Teaching music is where Kwak eventually wants to be. He
plans to use his education benefits to finish his degree, but also plans to
stay in the Army for at least 20 years.
“It has always my dream to become a musician. I’m glad that
I’m part of the band,” Kwak said. “I’m proud to serve this country, and proud
to serve as a musician.”