It is probably an understatement to say that BSSC Year 12 student, Jin Turpie, loves music. In fact, it fulfills many roles in his life.
Music is a part time job, an outlet when he’s happy, sad or stressed, and an inspiring and creative experience shared with best mates. He hopes it will be fundamental to his future career.
“I engage with music in three ways,” Jin says. “First, there is the band which helps me put myself out there and make some money. Second, there is my personal daily practice and finally, my VCE subjects are setting me up to study music formally beyond school.”
As lead guitarist with BSSC’s popular local band, ‘The Chans’, Jin and his mates play at least twice most weekends around Bendigo. (You can check them out at venues including Studio 66, Golden Vine, and Handlebar.)
Jin has a part time job as a bartender at Studio 66, so even when he’s not playing, he’s surrounded by live music.
The Chans was formed when Jin was in Year 10 at BSE and its present line-up established at the beginning of Year 11. They are about to release their second album which will be available on any streaming platform.
“It also makes me a little bit happy to see people wearing our merch,” he says with a smile.
His connection to the guitar began back when he was just six years old and his grandfather—also a guitarist—bought him a very basic guitar.
“I began to enjoy it as a fun pastime,” he remembers.
However, a passion for this instrument grew and music became increasingly so much more than only a pastime.
“I greatly admire people who are really giving guitar a crack. Rock stars are already so competent, but to put in time and effort to learn something quite hard—like a musical instrument—really impresses me.”
Jin says his parents, brother and girlfriend also impress him a great deal. Qualities such as being hard workers, being willing to help him when he needs it, and their enduring support of his music, are deeply appreciated.
Jin has studied two music subjects as part of VCE and takes external lessons with private teachers, Brett Garsed and Jarod Meadows, as well as lessons with Ash Bird—someone whose support and expertise he has valued enormously.
While the hands-on aspect of VET Music appeals the most, Jin appreciates how critical it is to back it up with theory.
While the present exam time is stressful and something Jin doesn’t enjoy about VCE, he’s happy with the grades he’s been getting and believes the balance between knowledge and practice is important.
General Maths has been his most challenging subject. Despite this—and similar to his attitude to music theory and exams—Jin recognised its value and persisted with it.
Plans for next year include a gap year and then continuation with his music studies through a Bachelor of Music. After this he would like to return to Bendigo’s La Trobe University and complete a Master of Education.
This pathway will give Jin tremendous opportunities for a diverse career—perhaps he will even return one day to BSSC in a teaching role.
“I am so grateful for the opportunities this college has given me. I feel like senior has helped me skyrocket my music and guitar.”
Given the chance to change something about the college, there’s nothing he would alter.
Jin has also been very impressed by the versatility of subject choices at BSSC, and found all his teachers incredibly helpful.
“I think being treated as a young adult, in the way BSSC does, actually encourages me to make positive choices.”
When it comes time to sit down and study, he’s found anywhere but his bedroom—where all his guitars live—is a good place to study!
“My guitars are totally distracting. I can happily play until my fingers bleed,” Jin says (and he’s not kidding!), “So, if I need to do theory or other subjects, I go somewhere else in the house.”
When it comes to maths, practice sacs and exams are his preferred approach.
“My dad will sometimes read what I’m working on so he can ask me questions, or I will explain it to him—which I can only do if I already know the content.”
Jin says when he was younger he never did any homework and never worried about money. “When you’re young there’s virtually no consequences.”
If Jin could give his 12-year-old self some sage advice, he’d say this:
“Enjoy life. What seems so hard now will one day seem easy, because life gets harder as you get older and have to take on more responsibility.”
Jin’s heritage is South Korean. His mum and dad adopted him at seven months of age and have made a great effort to keep him in contact with South Korean language and culture. They have also put in the effort to learn Korean.
“I am fluent in Korean,” says Jin, “and have been back there a number of times. I love the respectful culture and the food is awesome.”
Jin is aware there is a lot that could be better in the world, and says he’s grateful to be in a place like Australia that doesn’t suffer some of the issues other countries must face.
“I’m also grateful for everything I have been given, and all the great people I’ve met in my life.”
