Battery engineer throws concerts for senior citizens

By Baek Byung-yeul

Kim Jong-dae works with battery production equipment on weekdays as a principal engineer at Samsung SDI. On weekends, however, he turns into an amateur musician playing various kinds of instruments for senior citizens in nursing homes.

Kim has been performing at sanatoriums in the Gyeonggi Provincial cities of Suwon and Giheung, for over three years, along with his music mate whom he met at an amateur saxophone club in Suwon.

For senior citizens in nursing homes, Kim has played various kinds of instruments ranging from violin, cello, guitar and saxophone to the harmonica.

Kim said enjoys the moments “when a desolate space in a nursing home turns into a place filled with melodic music.”

“Before my first performance for the senior citizens, I was too anxious worrying about whether they really would like my performance,” Kim said, Thursday.

However, his concern was unnecessary as the senior citizens gave their immediate attention to his performance.

“I began my performance really nervous, but some of them suddenly rose to their feet and began dancing to the music,” Kim said. “I was really impressed by their energy. One of the nurses said she was surprised when a senior citizen, who barely moves his body, danced.”

Kim said the senior citizens staying at nursing homes “need a lot of attention from our society.” He also emphasized the importance of constantly performing volunteer service at the nursing homes.

“As the senior citizens in nursing homes need frequent communication with each other, I will keep doing musical performances for them to the best of my ability,” Kim said.

Since Kim learned to play violin when he was an elementary school student, he has learned various other kinds of musical instruments. He has put his focus on playing saxophone after listening to a saxophone solo of the Beatles' “Hey Jude” at a cafe eight years ago.

“Ever since then, I became fascinated with the sounds of the saxophone, I joined an amateur saxophone club right away and practiced on the instrument for five years,” Kim said.

Kim said that constant practice allowed him to play various kinds of instruments.

“People watching me playing musical instruments say I am talented at music. But I think the talent doesn't matter. To learn new things, I just didn't give up before I met my own goal,” Kim said. “I believe everyone can play different kinds of instruments after they set a goal and invest enough time in it.”