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Arts and culture; Williamstown teen has passion for music, hopes to study in Japan

By Kristen Hainkel 3 min read

WILLIAMSTOWN --Williamstown High School junior Sara Jung eyes studying abroad in Japan in college and advancing her instrument skills.

Jung started playing clarinet in the fifth grade band, after her teacher chose her instrument. She said she kept practicing and became a better player.

This past fall, Jung served as co-field commander with fellow junior Rivion Bennett for the high school marching band.

"It was my first year doing it and I'd love to do it again my senior year," she said. "Rivion and I played off each other really well."

The band's show included selections from "The Muppet Show": "Main Theme," "Moving Right Along," "Mahna Mahna" and "Rainbow Connection."

Jung said she particularly enjoyed "Moving Right Along" because it featured an interesting part for the woodwind section, which includes clarinet. And "Rainbow Connection" inspired her to join a new club at school.

"I joined the Bluegrass Club this year. We play guitar, banjo, cello, bass, violin, and mandolin. Kermit plays banjo in 'Rainbow Connection' so I decided to try it."

Jung said one of the Bluegrass Club members helped her learn the banjo,

"One of the members taught me different chords and how to play," she said. "I'm a lot better at banjo than when I started."

Another way Jung said she has noticed improvement is in her auditions for All State Band, an audition-only band of high school students around the state that perform a yearly concert in Charleston. She was named 2nd chair clarinet, which will practice starting Feb. 29.

"I'm really proud of myself. Getting in last year proved I could do it. Listening to my audition tapes from this year to last shows my improvement," she said.

Jung said she enjoys being part of a band, whether it's local or statewide.

"It's a great experience. I listen to other people and their instruments," she said. "We give each other feedback."

Jung is also a member of the school jazz band. They've started to learn a piece called "Havendance" composed by David Holsinger.

"We'll perform it at the Ratings Festival. We go to Blennerhassett School and play two pieces and get rated on how the pieces sound," she said.

Jung named Jed Corra, her music teacher, as a positive influence.

"He's helped me grow in music and in life. Before I started band, I was shy. I've improved both socially and emotionally," she

Outside of music, Jung said she enjoys a different kind of art.

"I'm taking ceramics right now," she said. " I haven't worked with the pottery wheel yet, but I hope to in the future. We're working with clay and learning different techniques."

Jung's goals for the remainder of her junior year are to keep her grades high, start looking for college scholarships and keep practicing her instrument. She is considering attending West Virginia University and West Liberty University.

However, one country's culture has captured her attention.

"I want to study abroad in Kyoto, Japan," she said. "I've started studying Japanese recently. I want to be able to understand what people say."

Jung said she enjoys Japanese culture and wants to experience it for herself.

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