Taft senior and violinist Tae Young Woo traveled to Irvine, California during March break to perform with the Irvine Young Concert Artists (IYCA). He came home with an invitation to serve as the group’s concertmaster this week, as they record the soundtrack for a Hollywood film.
Established in 2005 by executive director Albert Wu, IYCA is a training orchestra dedicated to the artistic, personal and professional development of outstanding instrumentalists. Tae Young has studied under Albert Wu for the past six years.
“I had six years to teach Tae Young what I know in the world of music,” said Wu. “I am grateful that Taft nurtured him with even more opportunities. He speaks passionately about the first-rate faculty, the engaging academic programs and the stimulating environment.”
Tae Young gave a riveting rendition of Sarasate’s Ziguenerweisen while performing with IYCA in Irvine last month.
“Members of the orchestra, including professionals, were all touched by this young man’s artistry,” Wu said. “And he gave a speech that drew tears from the audience and orchestra musicians.”
Hundreds filled the concert hall, including faculty and alumni from the University of Southern California and UC Irvine, as well as Hollywood film directors, composers and producers. Tae Young’s performance so moved the audience that he was invited to lead the orchestra in the studio recording session of the Hollywood film Bailout this week; Tae Young will serve as concertmaster for the session.
Noting that it has long been a dream of Tae Young’s to record in Hollywood, Wu adds: “How many high school students are talented enough to work in Hollywood recording studios?"
Tae Young will be working with professional musicians, directors and producers during the recording session. It will be hard work – an intense three-hour session with the goal of a flawless recording.
“It’ll be take after take, with no room for errors,” Wu notes. “But Tae Young is accustomed to this level of perfection, violin in hand. He is a shining star with a huge heart.”
Bailout officially screens April 31st. Wu has invited both Tae Young and Headmaster Willy MacMullen to attend the event; his invitation includes kind words for Tae Young and for Taft:
“I have not seen many students with Tae Young’s initiative, passion and inner tenacity. He truly knows how to get the job done and open doors for others around him. He is truly selfless. Bravo to you, your staff, and the faculty at Taft for nurturing him.”
