Special Programs
Our Projects during COVID-19
Although because of the pandemic, we were unable to hold in-person concerts, we still wanted to share some love during these difficult times. Here are some of the projects we undertook to spread a little bit of joy.
Celebrating Mother's Day
Korean Students’ Mother’s Day gifts ‘touching’
BCYM gifts Buckingham Care and Rehabilitation Center handmade cards and flowers
The thoughtful gifts of Korean middle and high school students in New Jersey impressed the elderly who were going through hard times due to the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The Bergen County Young Musicians (BCYM), composed of middle and high school students living in Bergen County, presented 94 elderly American and Korean female senior residents at the Norwood Buckingham Care and Rehabilitation Center nursing home with hand-written cards and flowers folded with colorful paper to celebrate Mother's Day (May 10th). Since 2018, BCYM's students have been steadily volunteering to present music at senior nursing homes every month. However, as the spread of COVID-19 prevented them from their regular performances, they made cards and flowers throughout April and sent them to the elderly. The seniors, who received the gifts filled with the students' sincerity on Mother's Day, could not hide their joy. Some even shed tears, saying, "It's really touching." The senior center said, "For elderly people who are suffering from loneliness and difficulties from COVID-19, such as their families not being able to visit, the Mother’s Day gifts felt priceless to them. The warm hearts and sincerity of the students impressed the elderly.” "I've been performing music and meeting seniors at the nursing home regularly, but I'm filled with sorrow that I haven't been able to do so since the COVID-19 incident," said Elvin Ko, a 10th grade student attending Bergen County Academies who serves as chairman of BCYM. “In particular, we were all heartbroken as the elderly were in a difficult situation due to the pandemic," he added. "We were thinking about what we could do, so we wrote our own cards and folded flowers. Thinking about the elderly in nursing homes, we hoped that the gifts would give at least a little bit of hope and happiness." BCYM students plan to continue sharing for those who are in difficult times, including putting on remote performances.
By Seo Han-Seo, Reporter for The Korea Times NY The Korea Times 5/8/20
Celebrating Father's day
Celebrating Birthday with Live Music
Technology allowed us to share a special birthday gift!
iPad and Stand Donation
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, family visits at nursing homes are especially difficult. We donated an iPad and iPad stand with holiday decorations in order to make video calls and virtual performances easier and more accessible, and so residents can better enjoy the holidays!
2021 Mother's Day Flowers
BCYM members donated carnation bouquets which they made to celebrate 2021 Mother's Day with seniors. Happy Mother's Day!
