Kyle Darwin ’16 CURRENT POSITION: I’ve been a saxophonist in the U.S. Army for more than seven years. I’m currently stationed at Fort Moore in Columbus, Georgia. I play in our woodwind sextet, ceremonial band, and marching band. A few times a year, we also put together a show as a full band where I often play in a big-band-style setting. I regularly play baritone saxophone and alto saxophone and perform in a wide variety of scenarios for audiences ranging from 10 people to just over 20,000. MILESTONES AND MINISTRIES: § Performed in a parade for President Jimmy Carter's birthday § Played in approximately 1,000 musical performances with the Army § Participated in over 800 rehearsals § Received honors like the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and National Defense Service Medal CEDARVILLE STORY: My transformative journey at Cedarville University deeply shaped my identity as a soldier and leader. I underwent significant spiritual growth, discovering what it meant to devote myself to Christ and to love sacrificially. The institution's ethos, “For the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ,” resonated with me from the start, affirming my decision to attend. It felt like God calling me, positioning me precisely where I needed to be. Collaborating with a fellow saxophonist for both my first duo recital and subsequent performances taught me invaluable lessons in resilience and stage presence. I owe much of my musical development to Dr. Chet Jenkins, whose unwavering patience, kindness, and high expectations propelled me forward. His mentorship not only honed my skills but also paved the way for my acceptance into the prestigious Army Band field. Cedarville University was not just an academic institution to me; it was a crucible of spiritual growth, development of my relationship with Christ, and preparation for the path ahead. Simon Yeh ’15 CURRENT POSITION: I am performing as both a live and studio musician (saxophone/ woodwinds) and have been the saxophonist for Danny Gokey since 2017. I’ve also been working as an adjunct professor of saxophone and jazz studies since 2019, directing the jazz band and teaching ear training and music technology classes. I’m also a producer, composer, and orchestrator. I go by Chris Yeh (Christopher is my middle name) and produce music primarily for film and TV that can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming platforms. In this capacity, I’m also the producer and orchestrator for HEATHER, an up-and-coming Christian artist. MILESTONES AND MINISTRIES: § Performed live in every state other than Hawaii and Alaska as well as the Dominican Republic, Bahamas, and Guatemala § Performed on more than 10 national tours and hundreds of festivals all over the US and internationally § Produced/arranged the live show for Danny Gokey's fall 2023 tour § Play regularly alongside top musicians and artists in the industry, both in studio and live settings CEDARVILLE STORY: As a student at Cedarville, I had so many opportunities to grow as a musician. I played lead tenor in the big band, principal clarinet in the symphonic band and orchestra, as well as flute in many composition recitals. I was also student director of the jazz band for a year, which helped prepare me for when I stepped into a jazz band director role years later. On top of all of these great playing opportunities was an amazing faculty who both cared about my musical growth as well as my personal and spiritual development. The longer I have been out of school, the more I see and appreciate how important that was to my development. When I look back, there are direct ties and connections from Cedarville that God orchestrated which led me to the amazing career in music that I currently have. It's been an amazing ride so far, and I look forward to what the future holds! In closing, I'll say this: God is good, and all we have to do is rely on Him fully, then give Him all the credit in all that we do. Photo credit: Tristan Wall 18
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