Marching Band Performs in City-Wide Festival Parade

Written by Christian Davis, Band Director

On the evening of September 12, the YISS Concert Band proudly marched in the Yongsan National Heritage Night Festival Parade, performing alongside many other community organizations invited by the Yongsan-gu Office. This event marked a milestone for our program—the first time the YISS Band has been invited to perform in a city-wide festival. It was both an honor and an opportunity for our students to showcase the standard of excellence that defines YISS while giving back to the broader Yongsan community.

Drawing on my own marching band experience as a student and teacher in America, I was thrilled to introduce the art of marching to YISS for the first time, guiding the High School Concert Band through four weeks of intense preparation. Though the concept was new to many students, they embraced the challenge with discipline, teamwork, and enthusiasm. This culminated in a performance that reflected their dedication and pride.

Despite a brief rain shower threatening to dampen the evening, the skies cleared just in time for the parade to begin. The students performed with precision, passion, and poise, earning admiration from spectators and fellow participants alike. I want to express deep gratitude to the students for their commitment and to the YISS music team for their unwavering support, whose collaboration made the event possible. Special thanks go to Mrs. Susanna Pavon (Orchestra Director), Ms. Amber Stephens (Choir Director), Ms. Jessica Lien (Elementary Music Teacher), Ms. Jinhee Roh (Percussion Instructor), Mrs. Hyemin Lee (Accompanist), and Mr. Jason Coffey (Drumline Director) for walking alongside the band and helping ensure a successful debut. The YISS Band Program—spanning 6th to 12th Grade—continues to uphold its mission of fostering commitment, passion, and excellence.