Justin Kim is going places.

Literally and figuratively, the 16-year-old Auburn Riverside junior is making the most of his talent and dedication as a cellist to provide him with opportunity, now and in the future.

Kim – one of five cellists with the Seattle Youth Symphony – has won the chance to play on the national level at the American High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Kim also travels to Washington D.C. in June to play with the National Association for Music Educators (NAfME) All-National Orchestra at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts.

After he graduates from high school in 2014, Kim hopes to parlay his playing skills – and academic excellence – into a college education at either Johns Hopkins or Stanford universities.

Music began for Kim in the third grade.

Initially trained on the piano, Kim soon picked up the cello as a fifth-grader.

“I’ve always wanted to play bass, just because it was bigger than me,” Kim said. “But it was too big, so I took up the cello.”

As a sixth-grader at Mt. Baker Middle School, Kim’s skill was recognized by music teacher Mindy Wharton, who offered him a chance to progress.

“She realized I was a little more advanced than her other students, so she invited me to come study with her husband,” Kim said.

He soon was learning the intricacies of the instrument from Brian Wharton, Mindy’s husband and a professional musician who plays cello for the Auburn Symphony Orchestra.

A tryout and acceptance into the Tacoma Youth Symphony soon followed.

After three years playing in Tacoma, Kim won a spot as one of five cellists with the prestigious Seattle Youth Symphony.

“I was kind of shocked,” he said. “When you move up to the Seattle Symphony the expectations are higher. All those kids are top notch. The musicians want to move on to conservatories. You can tell the difference between the playing level of the students. The music is the same, but the playing of the players is higher than what you would normally expect from a high school student.”

Kim continued to hone his skill, practicing at least two hours a day and playing with several local chamber and symphony orchestras, including the Auburn Symphony.

“I played with them as a freshman and also played with the Fifth Avenue pit orchestra and the All-Northwest Orchestra,” he said.

This past summer the offers to play out East came.

Despite all the accolades, however, Kin remains grounded.

“I don’t like to say I’m that good because there are always players who are better,” Kim said. “It’s not something I’m comfortable saying, that I’m really good. I don’t want to sound pompous.”

He’s also realistic about his chances of playing professionally.

“I’ve been thinking about going to school for music, but I don’t think I’m up there to be performing as a soloist,” he said. “Of course, I’ll be studying music in college, but probably as a double major along with biology. I’ll always be playing with local and chamber orchestras. But I don’t know if I’ll pursue it professionally, unless something changes.”

Help Justin

Justin Kim is seeking donations or ways he can help pay the $1,700 plus airfare for his trip to New York City in February. For more information on how you can help, email Kim at jstinkm@yahoo.com