Music
→ A Humble Instrument of Hope / Community Service
I began my musical journey in 2nd grade while living in Vienna, Austria. At my school, every student was required to choose a string instrument, so I picked the cello—my first encounter with music as structured learning. Soon after, my curiosity led me to explore the drums, drawn by their rhythm and energy.
When I returned to Korea, I met an incredible music teacher who introduced me to the clarinet, which I still play today. Through the clarinet, I found a place in my school’s Jazz Band and joined a volunteer orchestra as the Giving Messenger of Sang-Hee Lee and Friends. Together, we have performed to support children in need, raising funds for the International Vaccine Institute and the International Cancer Center since 2018.
In addition, I’m a member of Camerata, a student orchestra where we visit nursing homes and churches to share music with those who may need joy the most. These community service performances have taught me that music has a special way of reaching people—even when words can’t.
For me, music is not about perfection. It’s an imperfect yet powerful way to connect with others and bring healing and hope.
Growing up in Vienna, I had the privilege of attending world-class classical concerts. But back then, I was too young to fully appreciate them—often too restless to sit through a performance without being scolded by my mom. I remember countless times sneaking out of the concert hall mid-performance, sometimes in tears.
One evening, after one of those escapes, we stopped at a quiet café along Vienna’s Ringstraße. There, a street musician noticed my gloomy face and gently played “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” just for me. That simple, nameless melody lifted my spirits—and it’s still a song that makes me feel better whenever I hear it.