Dennis Kim
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From an early age, Dennis showed incredible athletic ability. At the age of 5 he was selected to play right field for his church baseball team playing with 17 year olds. He went 0-63 at the plate, but he only made 10 errors in 11 chances in the field.
He went on to play sweeper for his church soccer(football) team. His team allowed no goals for the whole 5 game tournament, and the goalie went on to win the MVP. The goalie made roughly 2 saves in 5 games, thanks to the sacrificing defensive play of the young Dennis. Dennis' parents thought the goalie was awarded the prize unfairly, and decided to change churches.
All through primary and junior school, Dennis was consistently picked 1st overall for all recess sports. Basketball, football, baseball, 4 squares, wall ball, any and all team sports. He was especially good at floor hockey, and had his parents been able to afford skates, Mr. Kim would surely have played in the NHL. He was on the city championship winning slow-pitch and touch football teams, representing Forest Hill Junior school.
He went on to win the under 17 Korea Times baseball tournament for the Light Presbytarian Church, awarded the game ball for his incredible play, dedication and excellent leadership.
In highschool, he played TE and place kicker for the Northern Secondary School Red Knights. That team won the city championships. He caught zero balls all season, but blocked opposing DE’s with skill and power, allowing zero sacks.
In college, Mr Kim had a 2 year unbeaten streak in ping pong. He would start many matches with a different grip to make games more interesting. Nicknamed “weak style”, Mr Kim frustrated opponents to painful defeat.
Mr. Kim also finished 2nd in a 3 on 3 basketball tournament in Toronto with his equally athletically gifted brother William. Dennis finished the 5 game tournament with 2 points and 84 rebounds.
In Hong Kong, Mr. Kim played left back for the Hong Kong Philharmonic’s football team. He was nicknamed the “Great Wall” ironically the only Korean on a team full of Chinese players. In Korea, he was converted to striker, and captained the Seoul Philharmonic’s football team, consistantly scoring highlight reel goals, taking advantage of the fact there was no offsides.
A talented golfer, Mr. Kim developed his unorthodox half swing to perfection. Having never had a lesson, Mr. Kim went on to shoot a personal best 77, and recorded 2 eagles in his short career. Mr. Kim retired from golf in 2004.
In Finland, he continues his athletic excellence, playing both football and hockey for his orchestra teams.
At the Atlantic Music Festival, Mr. Kim co-founded the Soccer Program, and captains the Troubled Clefs. In the summer of 2012, he captained the Bongs to an undefeated season humiliating the Sols!
Dennis Kim is also Concertmaster of the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra in Finland, and has been guest Concertmaster of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, KBS Symphony Orchestra, Korean Symphony Orchestra, Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, among others. Mr. Kim is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music and Yale School of Music.