Flautist leads wind ensemble, orchestra in televised holiday performance
For Jake King, a sophomore flute performance major from the Chicago suburbs, "Christmas at Belmont" is a highlight of his year — a chance to collaborate with talented musicians, showcase his skills and bring holiday cheer to an eager audience. Returning for his second appearance, King is excited to play a key role in one of Belmont’s most celebrated traditions.
This year, King is the principal flute for the symphony orchestra and plays in the wind quintet. “I’m most excited to play an excerpt from the Nutcracker... it’s a classic,” said King. “I’m looking forward to the audience hearing the power and the joy of the music.”
His woodwind section has become close friends throughout the rehearsal process, and he notes that they even sound better together because of it. “I’ve made really good friends in the music department that I wouldn’t trade for the world,” he said. “Everyone is fantastic. I've noticed that as we connect, we’ve started to sound really good.”
Performing in a show that is also being streamed on Amazon Music and Prime Video doesn’t come without its challenges. His piece for the wind quintet requires significant memorization and group work.
“It was a little daunting at first, but I think we're handling it well and we're ready,” described King. “‘Christmas at Belmont’ can be scary because you only have one shot for the live performance, but I'm going to do the best I can, feel the music and try to make it a great experience for everyone.”
After his time at Belmont, King aspires to become a professional orchestral musician and would like to teach music lessons on the side. He knows that a high-caliber performance like this will only make his future aspirations easier.
King credits his success to an amazing team of professors and mentors. When asked if there was a particular professor he’d like to shout out, he said, “Can I share four?” He acknowledged his flute professor Dr. Carolyn Totaro; Director of Orchestras Dr. Christopher Fashun; Coordinator of Instrumental Ensembles Dr. Barry Kraus; and retired Director of Orchestras Dr. Robert Gregg.
“They have given me incredible instruction on the flute and so many opportunities to perform. The curriculum at Belmont is outstanding musically, from music theory to aural skills to music history, and I've grown so much because of that,” shared King.
As he prepares for his second performance in “Christmas at Belmont," King reflects on how far he’s come in his musical journey. His experience this year has only strengthened his passion for music and his future aspirations.
“Being in a space with so many talented musicians has been incredibly rewarding,” said King. “I love being in a place where I can make mistakes and focus on growing as a musician.”
Learn more about 'Christmas at Belmont'