From No English to a Life in Music
The journey of Kris Pyun — clarinettist & Big Band soloist
Kris arrived from Gyeonggi, Korea in 2015 with little English, and began at John Paul International College in Level 2. Six years later he graduated with the Captains Cup for Performing Arts, a Big Band jazz solo behind him, and an offer to study at Griffith University’s Queensland Conservatorium. This is his story, in his own words.
- Arrived in Level 2, 2015
- Captains Cup 2020
- 8 Music Ensembles
- Griffith Conservatorium
John Paul International College · learning English from Level 2
Breaking Through the Language Barrier
Kris arrived from Korea in 2015 and started in Level 2 of the International College — he needed to improve his English before he could follow classwork in the main school. Korean was his first language, so reading, writing, speaking and listening all in English was a real challenge.
“It was a very big fear that I had,” he admits. “Fortunately, the teachers in the International College supported me through this tough time, allowing me to better communicate with peers and teachers.” In 2016 he moved into the main College in Grade 8.
Everyday life took adjusting to, as well: shorter school days, packing lunch instead of eating at a cafeteria (“on my first day I didn’t eat anything — my mum didn’t know I needed to bring it”), and shops that closed by 5:30 rather than staying open around the clock.
“With the support of my friends and teachers I was able to break through this barrier.”
Kris Pyun · on his first years at JPIC
“A Turning Point of My Life”
Kris’s parents chose John Paul College for its reputation — especially its music and sports programs. As a music student, he couldn’t wait to join.
With a shorter academic day than in Korea, he had far more time for co-curricular life — activities that “develop many skills other than formal education” and bring together students of every age group. “My JPC experience was a turning point of my life,” he says. “It has given me so many opportunities, especially in music — Wind Orchestra, Big Band and Choirs I may never have done back in Korea.”
His advice to new international students — three things that made all the difference:
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Tip One
Don’t Let Language Hold You Back
“Never let your language barrier set you back from your goals.”
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Tip Two
Ask Questions
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions.” The teachers, he says, are there to help you.
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Tip Three
Make Local Friends
“Try to make friends with the local Australian students.”
Music Camp & ensembles · where Kris first found his community
Finding His Place — and a Second Family
Taking part in Music Camp was what let Kris branch out and meet the main-school students. “They were very welcoming towards me as I transitioned into the main school. Despite my lack of communication, they helped me to find my place and supported me through this.”
My homestay family, truly made me feel I was part of their family and treated me like their own child. I already knew their oldest son, and the other three kids became my good friends too.”
“They taught me a lot of English and helped me through the language difficulties I faced. Having to speak English only allowed my fluency to develop. They shared their kindness with me — I really do want to thank this wonderful family.”
“They made me feel I was part of their family — they treated me like their own child.”
Finest All-Round Cultural Student
At Speech Night 2020, in front of the whole College, Kris was awarded the Captains Cup — presented to the finest all-round cultural student in Performing Arts. “Being a major prize, I felt very honoured to be recognised in this way.”
The Ensembles Behind It
- Big Band
- Jazz Combo
- Wind Orchestra
- Marching Band
- Choir
- Chamber Choir
- Clarinet Quartet
- Saxophone Quartet
His First Solo
His first time performing in front of a large audience was a solo in Big Band, in a piece called “Gorilla Man Blues.” “It was a thrilling experience for me.”
On top of it all, Kris also played volleyball and soccer for the College.
His Learning Journey
John Paul College gave Kris room to grow far beyond the classroom — from a first, almost English-free term to a stage he now calls home. Follow the journey, from arriving in Level 2 to an offer from the Conservatorium.
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2015
Arrives at JPIC
Begins in Level 2 of the International College, building his English from the ground up.
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2016
Into the Main College
Enters John Paul College in Grade 8 — and joins its renowned music program.
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Year 11
Finds His Stage
Tours to Sydney with Big Band & Jazz Combo, and plays his first solo — “Gorilla Man Blues.”
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2020
Captains Cup
Graduates with the Captains Cup for Performing Arts — finest all-round cultural student.
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Next
Griffith Conservatorium
An offer to study music at Griffith University’s Queensland Conservatorium — a life on stage.
Watch Kris’s Story
Kris sits down for a JPC Student Focus Session and shares his journey — from a first, English-free term in Brisbane to a place studying music at university.
What You’ll Hear
- Arriving with little English — and breaking through
- How music became a turning point in his life
- Winning the Captains Cup for Performing Arts
- His three tips for new international students
A Life on Stage — and a Conservatorium Offer
Kris wants to keep performing on his instruments. “I really enjoy performing in front of people — it creates such a positive and exciting atmosphere.” And he already has the offer to make it happen: a place at Griffith University’s Queensland Conservatorium.
Griffith Conservatorium
“In the future I want to continue with my music and performing on my instruments.” With his Conservatorium offer in hand, Kris is ready to make his passion his profession.
His Best Memory
The Sydney trip for Big Band and Jazz Combo in Year 11 — a favourite moment from a College life he describes as “one of the greatest experiences of my life.”
With Thanks
To the teachers who pushed him to set and reach his goals, the friends who helped him through, and the Gallo family — “I really do want to thank this wonderful family.”
My JPC experience was a turning point of my life — it has given me so many opportunities, especially in music.
Kris Pyun · Captains Cup for Performing Arts · Class of 2020
Every JPC Story Starts in the Same Place
Kris began with almost no English in a Brisbane classroom, just like every international student who joins us. Explore more graduate journeys — or begin your own.