Last updated on November 7th, 2024 at 03:40 pm
Instagram: @nykasc_choir
The New York Korean American Student Choir (NYKASC) is a nonprofit organization with a powerful mission: to teach children in grades K-12 the values of teamwork, community service, and cultural pride through music. With a focus on performance-based programs, NYKASC aims to inspire both its students and their audiences, bringing hope and healing through the universal language of music.
At the helm of this inspiring group are Student President Eunseo Lee, a senior at Bronx Science High School, and Student Vice President Hayden Ko, a sophomore at Stuyvesant High School. Together, they lead a group of dedicated students who are learning far more than just music—they are learning how to make a difference in their community.
NYKASC’s Mission: Bridging Generations and Cultures Through Music
Music has long been known for its power to comfort, inspire, and uplift people from all walks of life. It connects individuals through shared emotional experiences and often serves as a universal language. NYKASC taps into this powerful medium to bring people together, particularly during times of hardship.
In recent years, the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes has left many in the Asian American community feeling fearful and isolated. The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated these issues, leading to a surge in hate incidents that disproportionately affected Asian Americans. Many of these individuals—especially seniors—have historically been less likely to access mental health services due to cultural stigmas and a lack of culturally sensitive care.
NYKASC plays a crucial role in addressing these issues. By organizing musical performances that span generational divides, the choir offers comfort and solidarity to both its students and the elderly members of the community. The organization creates an opportunity for young people to express their cultural pride while learning the importance of giving back through service.
How NYKASC Builds Community Through Music
At NYKASC, students are introduced to a Montessori-based music curriculum that fosters creativity, collaboration, and empathy. Through their choir performances, children and teens learn how to work as a team, ensuring that their individual voices come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
“Our students learn that every voice matters,” says Eunseo Lee, the Student President of NYKASC. “When we sing together, we create beautiful harmonies that wouldn’t be possible alone. It’s a powerful lesson—not just in music but in life.”
The students’ education doesn’t stop with music. They are also introduced to Korean history and culture, which plays a key role in their development as culturally aware individuals. One such example is a recent performance where the choir sang traditional Korean children’s songs for elderly Korean Americans, bringing joy and a sense of nostalgia to their audience. This helped the students understand their heritage, while also fostering a connection between the younger and older generations.
Addressing Mental Health and Social Isolation Through Performance
One of NYKASC’s most significant impacts has been its ability to address the social isolation and mental health challenges that many Asian American seniors face. According to studies, Asian seniors are among the most socially isolated groups, and this loneliness can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
The choir’s performances at nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and community events provide an opportunity for seniors to feel connected to their heritage and to younger generations. These musical moments not only brighten the lives of those in attendance but also serve as a reminder that they are valued members of their community.
Eunseo Lee: A Leader Driven by Compassion
Student President Eunseo Lee is a prime example of how NYKASC shapes the next generation of leaders. As a senior at Bronx Science High School, Eunseo has been instrumental in organizing performances and guiding the choir’s mission of healing through music.
“I love volunteering with NYKASC because it allows us to use music to bring healing to both the young kids that we teach and the adults in our community,” Eunseo says. “This experience has inspired me to take courses in Psychology and music therapy. I hope to someday use my education and clinical experience to make NYKASC even stronger.”
Her passion for music therapy underscores the larger purpose of NYKASC—to not only create beautiful performances but also to use music as a tool for emotional and psychological healing. Under her leadership, NYKASC has expanded its outreach, ensuring that more people in the community are touched by the choir’s message of hope.
Hayden Ko: Fostering Leadership Skills Through Service
Serving as Student Vice President, Hayden Ko, a sophomore at Stuyvesant High School, has also grown through his involvement with NYKASC. He notes that volunteering with the choir has been a transformative experience, particularly in developing his leadership abilities.
“Volunteering with NYKASC has helped me develop leadership skills and shown me that even the youngest kids can have a positive impact on society,” Hayden says. “It inspired me to take on other leadership roles that involve tutoring or mentoring younger students.”
By working closely with younger children in the choir, Hayden has seen firsthand how music can be a tool for building confidence and fostering a sense of community. His experience with NYKASC has inspired him to continue seeking out ways to support and mentor others, both within and outside the organization.
Performing for the Greater Good: NYKASC’s Community Outreach
NYKASC’s community outreach goes far beyond nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. The choir regularly performs at sporting events, charity fundraisers, and cultural festivals, helping to raise awareness about the organization’s mission and the importance of music in community building.
One recent performance that garnered significant attention was held at Citi Field on September 21. This event allowed NYKASC to share its message of hope and healing with a broader audience, helping to bridge cultural divides and highlight the power of music to unite people.
These public performances are not only a chance for the students to showcase their musical talents but also an opportunity to spread awareness about important social issues, such as anti-Asian hate and the mental health challenges faced by many in the community.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
As NYKASC continues to grow, its leaders are focused on expanding their impact. In addition to increasing the number of performances and community outreach events, the choir is looking to incorporate more educational opportunities that delve into Korean culture, mental health awareness, and leadership development.
The hope is that NYKASC will not only continue to inspire and uplift through music but also foster a generation of young leaders who are compassionate, culturally aware, and committed to making a positive impact in their communities.
Conclusion
NYKASC is more than just a choir—it’s a movement that brings people together through the power of music. Under the leadership of students like Eunseo Lee and Hayden Ko, the organization has become a beacon of hope for many, offering comfort and connection during challenging times. As NYKASC continues to grow, its mission remains clear: to use music as a tool for healing, bridging generational and cultural divides, and building a stronger, more compassionate community.
