By Elijah Penn, Copyeditor
“This concert was especially meaningful because it was built almost entirely around the human voice, the most basic and God-given instrument of all,” said Dr. ChulYoung Kim, assistant professor of music and Music Program director.
“The Holy Name” was a “Spring Choral Concert” hosted during Alumni Weekend on March 6. The event showcased the talent of the Saint Leo Music Program, featuring the talented Saint Leo Singers and the Chamber Singers.
Many in the crowd were graduates from Saint Leo University, as the event was one of many events and activities held for returning faces that weekend.
“Alumni Weekend made the event even more special because it created an opportunity for all of us to come together and reconnect with an earlier sense of passion, purpose, and community. In that spirit, the concert also invited us to return to the essentials of our faith and identity,” stated Kim.
It was held in the Saint Leo Abbey as the last rays of daylight streamed through the historic stained-glass windows. Complementing this beautiful and religious setting, the program centered around Philippians 2:10, which reads “At the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.”
“This program was meant to be more than a performance; it was intended as a sacred space shaped by prayer, beauty, and community during the Lenten season as we look toward Easter,” said Kim. “I hoped the audience could enter that spirit of reverence and renewal … to draw their hearts closer to God.”
The songs selected contained many a cappella parts and told the story of Jesus from Lent to Easter Sunday. These beautiful songs were punctuated by moving narrations about the journey of Jesus, spoken by Dr. Chantelle MacPhee, the department chair of English, music, and the arts.
Despite minor challenges over the semester, the singers rose to the occasion and rehearsed diligently, making the performance sound incredible.
“I am especially grateful for the singers and the tremendous work they put into this concert,” said Kim.
This is the first semester that Kim has been the director of the Music Program. He took up the role following Dr. Cynthia Selph’s retirement.
Kim began working for Saint Leo during the COVID-19 pandemic in his last semester of his doctoral studies as an adjunct professor. He recalls the feelings of isolation that he and his peers felt during the pandemic.
“Through music, we were able to begin that new chapter together,” said Kim. “We shared meaningful musical experiences and performances that helped us reconnect not only with one another, but also with parts of ourselves that had been quiet for too long.”
“In that sense, Saint Leo is a very special place to me. It is a place where students and I were able to rediscover, together and with one voice, something that had been lost during that difficult time,” concluded Kim.
Under new leadership and a fresh perspective, the future of the music program looks bright. Several events are already planned in the near future. “The Holy Name” concert will be repeated on March 27 at First United Methodist Church in Dade City.
“I would also encourage anyone interested in our music program to stay connected, and if students have questions about voice lessons, instrumental lessons, or the music minor, they are always welcome to contact me,” said Kim.
His email is chulyoung.kim@saintleo.edu, and his office number is (352) 588-8658.
