Future Doctors Playing Healing Harmony
Orchestra group ‘Yehyang’

Different instruments having unique sounds create a beautiful harmony in an orchestra. The medical system in which healthcare professionals specializing in their own fields work together to find a healthy balance in a patient’s life almost resembles how an orchestra works. The members of Yehyang orchestra comprise students of college of medicine and graduate school of medicine who collaborate and tune into each other to bring out the rich sound of delicate instruments.

Integrating through Passion for Music
Yehyang, meaning a hometown of arts, was first established in 1978 by a group of 13 medical students who loved playing classical music. About 80 students and 300 alumni from the schools of medicine and nursing are still writing its 40-year history.
Currently, Yehyang orchestra consists of a string section including violin, viola, cello, and bass, a woodwind section including flute, oboe, and clarinet as well as a percussion section led by timpani. The orchestra members typically practice and have group outings by section in smaller groups within the orchestra.
“Some people think you have to play an instrument really well in order to join the orchestra, but in fact some members learned how to play after they came to college. Anyone who has an interest in and passion for classical music and instruments can become a member of Yehyang.”

Achieving Complete Harmony through Practice
The most important event for Yehyang orchestra is the annual fall concert held right before the second semester begins. The practice begins in early May, however medical students find it hard to join the practice due to exams held almost every Saturday. A practice camp held during the summer break is when the practice actually starts.
“The practice camp which is held over four nights and five days is when we all can truly focus on the practice. Everyone has a great time.”
Generally, overtures and concertos are performed during the first half of regular concerts that focus on original classical music, symphonies of prominent composers such as Beethoven or Tchaikovsky during the second half. Practices are divided into section practice and orchestra practice with the conductor. Through such systematic practice sessions, the orchestra heightens its musical competence as a group.
“The wonderful thing about an orchestra is how different instruments are played together to make harmonious sounds. Practices and rehearsal are demanding, but hearing the audience applauding the moment we finish playing the last note brings tears to my eyes.”

Connecting People through Orchestra
“What Yehyang cherishes the most is people. We meet so many amazing people by performing great music together.”
Yehyang holds concerts for patients and at daycare centers, and plays instrumental accompaniment for St. Mary’s Night to reach out to communities. In particular the orchestra visits Donghae city in Gangwon Province every winter to provide mentoring services to students who wish to study medicine in the future, and to hold small concerts for local residents. “Since we offered the mentoring service, the number of students who pursue studying medicine in Donghae tripled. It feels so rewarding to know that our music has positive effects on people.”
Yehyang will hold its 58th regular concert at Maria Hall on August 18th. All the efforts they put in during spring and summer seasons will sure impress their audience.