Instagram: @nykasc_choir
The New York Korean American Student Choir (NYKASC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching children in grades K-12 about the importance of teamwork, service, and cultural pride through music. Through its performance-based programs, NYKASC brings hope and healing to both the performers and their audience, using the transformative power of music to inspire.
Led by Student President Eunseo Lee, a senior at Bronx Science High School, and Student Vice President Hayden Ko, a sophomore at Stuyvesant High School, the organization teaches children how to make their voices heard, both individually and as a unified choir. Through these efforts, NYKASC aims to foster community connections while encouraging personal growth and cultural awareness in its students.
NYKASC’s Mission: Music as a Force for Healing and Connection
Music is a universal language that transcends boundaries, offering comfort, inspiration, and healing. NYKASC harnesses this power of music to bring people together, particularly in times of uncertainty and hardship. The organization’s mission is deeply rooted in using music not just for entertainment, but as a means to promote healing and solidarity within the community.
The need for this kind of healing has become increasingly apparent in recent years, as the Asian American community has faced a troubling rise in hate crimes and racism. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, leading to heightened fear and isolation. Many in the community—especially seniors—have felt the weight of these challenges, compounded by the fact that Asian Americans have historically been less likely to seek mental health support due to cultural stigmas and a lack of accessible resources.
NYKASC plays a vital role in addressing these concerns. By engaging both young students and the elderly through music, the choir fosters connection and bridges generational gaps. The children learn the importance of giving back through service, while the seniors experience the joy and comfort that comes from cultural pride and shared heritage.
Building Confidence, Teamwork, and Cultural Pride Through Music
At NYKASC, students follow a Montessori-based music curriculum designed to nurture creativity, leadership, and collaboration. The children are encouraged to use their voices, both literally and metaphorically, to create something meaningful. By working together in a choir, they learn that their individual contributions, when harmonized with others, can create something beautiful and powerful.
“Each student learns that their voice matters,” explains Eunseo Lee, the choir’s Student President. “When we sing as a group, we create harmonies that none of us could achieve on our own. It’s a lesson not just in music but in teamwork and life.”
In addition to music, the students also study Korean history and culture, which helps deepen their understanding of their heritage. One memorable example of this was when the students performed traditional Korean children’s songs for elderly Korean Americans. The performance served as a way to bring comfort and nostalgia to the seniors, while also instilling a sense of cultural pride in the students.
Combating Social Isolation and Mental Health Challenges in the Community
A significant focus of NYKASC’s work is addressing the social isolation and mental health struggles faced by many Asian American seniors. Studies show that elderly members of the Asian American community are particularly prone to loneliness, which can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. This is where NYKASC’s performances make a real difference.
By performing at nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and other community settings, NYKASC provides an opportunity for seniors to feel connected to both their heritage and the younger generation. These performances are a reminder that they are valued and cherished members of the community.
“Our goal is to use music to uplift those who might be feeling isolated or forgotten,” Eunseo shares. “It’s amazing to see how much joy a simple song can bring to someone’s day.”
Eunseo Lee: Leading With Passion and Purpose
As the Student President of NYKASC, Eunseo Lee has been a driving force behind the choir’s success. A senior at Bronx Science High School, Eunseo is passionate about using music to make a positive impact in her community. Her leadership has helped shape NYKASC into an organization that is not only about music but also about service and healing.
“I love volunteering with NYKASC because it allows us to bring healing through music,” Eunseo says. “This experience has inspired me to explore the fields of Psychology and music therapy, and I hope to one day use my education to further strengthen NYKASC’s mission.”
Eunseo’s vision for NYKASC is to continue expanding its reach and impact, helping more people find comfort and connection through the choir’s performances.
Hayden Ko: Developing Leadership Skills Through Service
Serving as Student Vice President, Hayden Ko, a sophomore at Stuyvesant High School, has also found personal growth through his involvement with NYKASC. He believes that volunteering with the choir has been a transformative experience, especially when it comes to developing leadership skills.
“Being part of NYKASC has shown me that even young people can have a positive impact on society,” Hayden says. “It’s inspired me to take on more leadership roles, including tutoring and mentoring younger students.”
Through his work with NYKASC, Hayden has learned the importance of service and leadership, lessons that he applies both within and outside the organization.
Community Outreach: Sharing Music to Unite and Inspire
One of the most significant ways NYKASC spreads its message of hope and unity is through community performances. The choir regularly performs at nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, charity events, and even sporting venues. These performances serve as an opportunity to raise awareness about the choir’s mission and to bring people together through the shared experience of music.
A notable recent performance took place at Citi Field on September 21, where NYKASC performed for a large public audience. Events like this help bridge cultural divides and demonstrate the power of music to connect people from different backgrounds.
Looking to the Future: Expanding NYKASC’s Impact
As NYKASC continues to grow, its leaders are looking for new ways to expand the choir’s impact. Future plans include more performances, greater community outreach, and increased educational opportunities focusing on mental health awareness, cultural understanding, and leadership development.
The ultimate goal is for NYKASC to continue being a force for good, using music to heal, connect, and inspire future generations of leaders.
