Club combines old, new percussive sounds

By: Jackie Saunders

Posted: 2/27/06

The cool breeze from the park outside her window was so tranquil she wished the beating of the Puk would stop. Now, wearing her crimson hanbok and basking in the thunderous sounds of Cheon Ji In, Grace Kim realizes she actually misses the traditional drumming that often disturbed her serenity in her hometown of Seoul, Korea.

Cheon Ji In's fourth annual performance on Saturday night gave freshman broadcast journalism major Kim a chance to act as master of ceremonies for a packed Goldstein Auditorium. For those non-Koreans in the audience, a video presentation introduced the concept of the group's name.

"Cheon Ji In, shake not only the heaven and the Earth, but also the people's hearts," is the ideology of the student-run group who practices weekly in the Day Hall basement.

A video montage of foolish antics and practice downtime gave a glimpse into the family the members have become.

Many alumni of Cheon Ji In find it difficult to leave their new family behind, and came to support the group and hand out programs.

"Just practicing and being with all these people you create a bond and a family," said Syracuse University graduate Christina Chang. "Even after I graduated I had to come back to it."

Rooted deeply in Korean history, Cheon Ji In's style of drumming is sacred, spiritual and exhilarating.

A raucous cheer in the back of the auditorium signaled the beginning of the concert as drummers marched up the center aisle, creating a heart-pounding rhythm with the Puk, Jang-gu, jing and kwanggari.

Originally used for mental distraction, the Puk drum is used during the World Cup to distract teams playing the Republic of Korea. Each song has a purpose; one song performed is used in Korea to aid in the harvest and repel evil spirits.

Intricate choreography, complicated wrist movements and synchronized marching are unique to Korean drumming. Cheon Ji In also attempted a new spin to the conventional style.

The familiar dance song resounded in the darkness as Alice Deejay's "Better off Alone" was put to Cheon Ji In's beats. Neon glow sticks highlighted the shape of the drums that were later snatched up by adoring fans.

In another attempt to combine the old with the new, Alfy Chang, a skilled drummer and freshman industrial design major, elicited screams similar to those of the drooling Elvis fanatics as he punched out a drum solo on an American drum set.

Three dancers performed a routine to a Korean pop song while Cheon Ji In added a beat of its own, proving its innovation was a definite success.

The chance to connect to their roots is one of the many reasons Korean members of Cheon Ji In enjoy the experience. Junior drummer and engineering major Kichul Kim learned to play from the previous Sang Swe, or leader of the group.

"I love instruments, and it is great to play something all year around," Kim said. "I'm Korean, so it is nice to do something that is part of my history and culture."

Despite the fact that Cheon Ji In is Korean drumming, the group boasts a diverse mix of peoples.

Sang Swe Miriam Park, who is a senior majoring in child and family studies, is very proud of the multi-cultural aspect of Cheon Ji In.

"Knowing that different races can come together and make music really inspires me as a leader," Park said.

Eleanor Brown, a sophomore surface pattern and design major, greatly enjoyed her fourth Cheon Ji In performance.

"This is my favorite club on campus," Brown said. "I used to play the American drum and I have never seen or heard anything like this."