Jimin Seo, visiting assistant professor of music, announced that she will be leaving Goshen College at the end of this year. She and Matthew Hill, chair of the music department, made this announcement to the orchestra on Tuesday evening. This announcement comes as Seo finishes her doctorate degree from the University of North Texas in orchestra conducting and collaborative piano.

This was Seo’s second year conducting GC’s Symphonic Orchestra. However, in her time at GC, she has picked up many other roles, including directing Chamber Choir, accompanying Vox Profundi and teaching classes in conducting, aural skills and identity, culture and community. 

Hill made it clear that, although he is happy for her, he is sad that Seo is leaving. “This is kind of what happens for musicians: that we travel around, we move around, we change jobs … just because some people have been here a long time doesn’t mean we’re all going to be here a long time,” he said, comparing her time here to his 23 years at GC. “It’s generally difficult to keep orchestra directors — if we keep them for five years, I’m very happy.”

“What I’ll miss most are the people, especially our students,” said Seo. “I’ll miss the music faculty who have supported me in so many ways. The students, especially those in Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Choir, are such hard-working, dedicated and talented musicians.”

In terms of next steps for the music department, Hill said that they are already thinking about who can take the position. “We have somebody that we’ve looked at in the past for this, so we’re first reaching out to that person,” he said. “We have a great space to perform in, but that is only as good as the students that we recruit and the faculty we have.”

Seo said that she has enjoyed her time here and has appreciated the community around music at GC. “To everyone in the Goshen community: thank you from the deepest bottom of my heart,” she said. “Thank you for welcoming me with open arms, for trusting me with the music program, for sharing your happiness and laughter and for all the stages and stories we shared. I am truly grateful to you.”