No.158 / Jun 13, 2022
As COVID-19 social distancing protocols are gradually lifted, festivals are being held again in universities for students to enjoy various experiences and food. Various performances are also big attractions of the festival. Among them, The Ajou Globes (The AG) met two band clubs that make the Ajou University Festival richer. Let us pay attention to the story told by Choi Ye-sol, the chairman of the Spiders, who is in charge of vocal and keyboard sessions, and Kim Min-su, the emergency chairman and vocalist of the 5-minutes.
Q. Please introduce the band.
Spiders: The central rock band club “Spiders” was founded in 1977 and has been active till date. We conduct an ensemble with various pop and rock band songs, and practice together to develop our skills for each session. I heard that the band is called “Spiders” is because there used to be many spiders in the club room; It comes from a funny origin, but I think it is a cool name that works well for a rock band.
5-minutes: The 5-minutes is a club of the Central Creative Song Band! We make and arrange our own songs and perform regularly, and also perform busking and sponsorship performances by composing songs with our own songs and existing songs.
Q. How does a semester of your band go?
Spiders: We have fixed ensemble time once a week, and prepare and conduct performances by selecting songs that are to be performed with opinions and practicing individually or practicing ensemble. In addition to the school festival, we are planning regular performances, joint performances with other clubs, and busking. They also socialize with the members through events like company dinners and Outing.
5-minutes: We have a general meeting every Thursday at 6 p.m. to discuss the construction of the club. We practice for regular performances for a month post the midterm exam. Before practice, there is also a forum to introduce the songs written by the members and discuss their arrangement. We completes our own songs for a month, selects songs to practice, and rents a concert hall or auditorium to perform regularly. In addition to regular performances, in-school events such as club fairs, Daedongje, etc., and external supporting performances are also held.
Q. What kind of theme are you preparing for the performance at Danbam festival?
Spiders: We prepared two exciting and refreshing songs for the summer festival! The first song is a remake of Cho Yong-pil’s original, “Short Hair”, which is a famous song that all generations can enjoy, and we chose it because we liked Daybreak’s version. The second song is Adios Audio’s “Endless We Are”. Our band chose this song because of the message “Let’s keep this summer in mind and remember it” and the energetic and refreshing atmosphere of the song fits well with summer nights.
5-minutes: Since it is a big stage at Ajou University, we tried to select songs that are popular and responsive. Also, our band is performing a song written by the club. We prepared an exciting song to increase the response! I hope the students enjoy it.
Q. Were there any memorable incidents while preparing for the performance?
Spiders: It happened at the club fair this year. Two weeks before the show, I fell and had to put a cast on my arm. I was worried that it would interfere with the performance because I had a part playing the keyboard, but I was relieved that I could take off the cast and participate in the performance a week later; but five days before the show, something bigger happened. I was quarantined because of COVID-19. As I could not participate in the club fair at all, our band hurriedly changed the song, and the drummer practiced the keyboard instead. I was sorry that I could not participate in the performance, but I felt that the members who performed on such short notice were wonderful. Thank you to the members who practiced hard in harmony despite the unprecedented situation.
5-minutes: In the past, when I was a freshman, there was a time when seniors clashed while arranging their songs. The atmosphere got worse, and I thought our band was in trouble when the concert was just around the corner. After practice, I went to a bar and I happened to see them drinking together. At that time, it was absurd to see people who had been fighting making up while drinking soju and seriously discussing songs. The next day, they practiced as if nothing happened. I remember my colleague wondering if they really fought yesterday.
Q. Please say something to the students who are thinking about joining the band!
Spiders: One of the best things I did in college was joining the band, and that’s how valuable the band activities were that gave me a lot of memories and experiences. I feel that my understanding of music increased, as I listen to a lot of instruments from other sessions besides the instruments I played in the band and learned the roles of each instrument in the band music. Also, it was nice to befriend people who like music. Playing a musical instrument and working together offer varied pleasures. It is thrilling when we work together, and it feels amazing that we make all these sounds. If you like music: singing or playing musical instruments, or wish to be on stage, I recommend you to experience a band in your college life!
5-minutes: Do not worry if you have never played a musical instrument. You will be able to improve quickly if you learn from your seniors for a couple of semesters. Seniors say that if you work in a 5-minutes band, “music” and “friends” remain for the rest of your life. If you work with people for a long time in a club, you will be able to get close to them quickly and have a good time. I hope the people who will make good memories with us will apply a lot.
By Lee Noo-ri, AG Senior Editor
cabello1706@ajou.ac.kr
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