DeJong Memorial Music Award 2025
Recipient 2 – Adam Jo, Class of 2025
Adam Jo has been a student at KIS since Grade 5. An avid bird watcher and hiker, Adam is a talented artist and has always been part of our advanced band and ensembles. In his own words: “I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities I had at KIS to develop my musical skills and contribute to the school’s music program as a trumpet player, starting from the beginning, intermediate then the advanced band, as well as in various smaller ensembles that my friends and I formed. Concerts, celebrations, field-day marches, music field-trips and the ABRSM exams were an important experience during my time at KIS. I was also able to contribute to the worship in the chapel on many occasions. This summer, before beginning my studies in Japan, I’ve been fortunate to stay musically active. I performed in a Wind Symphony concert in Budapest, joining rehearsals and the final performance with a combined ensemble from the Budafoki Fúvós Egylet (BFE) and the First Coast Wind Symphony from Florida, USA. I’m also planning to attend a music camp near Budapest with BFE in August. In September, I’ll begin studying International Relations at Ritsumeikan University on a full scholarship. Thanks to the DeJong Music Scholarship, I was able to purchase a high-quality intermediate-level trumpet that continues to support my musical growth. While I’m not pursuing music professionally, I have made arrangements to join the Ritsumeikan University Wind and Marching Band—a near-professional level orchestra—and continue lessons, with a special focus on jazz.”