Schools
BHHS Senior Taking His Musical Talents to Marines
Jin Soo Park has been recruited to play with the Drum and Bugle Corps.
Many Beverly Hills High School seniors will soon swap basement hangout sessions for frat parties. But Jin Soo Park, 18, is putting on his red and white Marine uniform, shining his brass bugle and heading out into the battlefield.
Well, almost.
At only 17 years old, Park was recruited to play in the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps. Known as "The Commandant's Own," it's the only full-time, active-duty drum corps in the nation's armed forces. The 80-member band travels the world performing military and popular tunes.
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Having played solo at various high-profile Los Angeles functions—including Lakers and Dodgers games and a party at the house of CNN's Larry King—Park is looking forward to performances with the Marines.
"Although I did get to meet Tom Hanks and George Clooney at one event, I think playing for the president of the United States may top that," Park said.
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At the beginning of August, Park will move to the San Diego Marine Training Center and start rehearsing eight hours a day with the Drum and Bugle Corps. He is also required to complete intense physical training every other day.
The traditional college route may have been a less laborious option for Park. He received early recruitment letters from USC and the University of Michigan for his trumpet playing and swimming talents. But by November 2009, he had decided on life as a Marine.
"The Marines redefine the meaning of 'family.' The brotherhood and the camaraderie of the Marines are so strong," Park said. "They always keep you motivated and dedicated."
In addition to his musical talents, Park is a competitive breast stroker. At 13 years old, Park joined the city of Los Angeles swim club. Soon after he began training with USC's swim team. He strongly considered representing South Korea in the 2012 Olympics and trained with Park Tae-Hwan, that country's first Olympic gold medal swimmer. Yet Park stopped competitive swimming to focus on music.
"It's a disappointment to have quit, but I will always swim as a hobby," he said.
And though Park is committed to years of service playing bugle in the Marines, there is one thing he'd like to accomplish outside of military life.
"What's every man's dream?" Park said. "Having a beautiful family."
