The Dept. of Postmodern Music’s freshman performance was held under the title “Sparkle.” As the title suggests, participants showcased their own brilliant musical talents through a series of diverse stages. Having put their utmost effort into making it to the stage, this short journey remained a truly meaningful experience for all involved.

Sparkle: A Wish for Students

“Sparkle” is the Dept. of Postmodern Music’s annual freshman performance. Each freshman in the department was given the opportunity to participate by forming a team and designing their own stage performance. This year’s event consisted of two parts—To Infinity; And Beyond—and was held at A&D Hall on the first floor of the College of Arts & Design, November 8, 7:00 p.m.

The title of the performance reflected the organizers’ hopes for the department’s freshmen. Cho Ye-jin, Chief of the Performance Management Team, stated, “‘Sparkle’ symbolizes light and new beginnings. As the performance is the first stage for the freshmens, the stage allows them to design their performances in their own unique ways while shining as themselves.” 

The two parts of the performance were also titled in a meaningful way. “The title of the first part, To Infinity, and the second part, And Beyond, was from a famous line in the movie “Toy Story.” Through these titles, I hoped the freshmen would continue their musical journey endlessly, just like the message the titles convey,” chief Cho Ye-jin added.

A Stage Painted by the Masters

One distinctive feature of the performance was that selected participants, called masters, were responsible for organizing their own performances. Chief Cho Ye-jin explained, “The masters are chosen among freshmen who volunteer to lead a performance. They serve as team leaders in charge of the entire production process—from recruiting team members to selecting and arranging songs, as well as directing the stage.”

She added, “Led by the masters, each freshman freely forms a team and prepares their own performance concept and song arrangement over two months. Those who eventually perform on stage are the ones who have passed the audition conducted by the professors.”

In total, 15 masters participated in designing the performances for “Sparkle”. All of them were freshmen from the Dept. of Postmodern Music, including Jang Ji-an, Kim Jwa-jung, Lee Min-young, Cho Hyun-soo, Kim Hong-bin, Lee Gun-hee, Lee Yeon-woo, Cho Ga-hyun, Jang Geun-chul, Ji Seung-hyuk, Kang Ji-wook, Kim Min-ji, Jung Ye-won, Park Se-sang, and Chief Cho Ye-jin.

Each participant filled the stage with their own unique musical charm. The performance opened with a Disney OST medley directed by Master Jang Ji-an, and soon various stages filled the night with creativity. Among them, the rearranged rock versions of Post Malone’s “Better Now” and “Rockstar,” adapted by Master Lee Gun-hee, showcased a fresh approach to existing songs. Meanwhile, master Cho Hyun-soo’s original song “I” delivered an unprecedented sense of emotion beyond the familiar tracks.

In the second part of the performance, a jazz stage led by Master Ji Seung-hyuk showcased a different kind of charm compared to pop music. For the finale, chief Cho Ye-jin’s theme song “Let There Be Light” beautifully concluded this year’s freshman performance.

A Short Yet Shining Journey, Remembered with Joy

Despite being a tough journey for the participants, “Sparkle” remained a truly meaningful experience. Chief Cho Ye-jin recalled, “It was such a busy period that I can hardly remember the details of what I did during the preparation. In particular, the two days leading up to the performance were the busiest, as we had to set up the stage and rehearse all day.”

She added, “Since every element of the performance had to go through me, I feel both proud and sentimental about ‘Sparkle’. It was such a precious project that I still need some time to fully let it go.”

Other participants shared similar feelings. Kim Hong-bin said, “Since the performance included an audition, all of us worked hard to make it to the stage. Especially because we had to balance it with our schoolwork, the preparation period was physically demanding. But through this experience, I was able to spend a lot of time with my classmates, and it has become a truly fond memory.”

Lee Min-young remarked, “It was not an easy journey, as we often had to practice at dawn to match everyone’s schedules. Since I had to prepare many songs, I feel truly relieved now. I think everyone can finally take a rest with a peaceful mind.”

The freshman performance “Sparkle” concluded, leaving behind meaningful experiences and memories for the participants. The emotions they felt through their dedication were also conveyed to the audience through the high quality of each stage. It is highly anticipated to see what these talented students will present in the future.