The Humphreys Youth Orchestra: A Summer of Music, Learning, and Memories
- Jonathan Kim
- May 20
- 3 min read
Updated: May 27
By Jonathan Kim
Photography Courtesy of Humphreys Youth Orchestra, Linda Shin, and Hana Pong
A Mission of Musical Growth and Community
The Humphreys Youth Orchestra, based in the Pyeongtaek community, is dedicated to developing and inspiring young musicians. They are composed of young musicians from both Humphreys and Osan schools, and others from local community schools. Our youth orchestra aims to create an inclusive space where students can cultivate a lifelong love of music and contribute to Korea’s cultural enrichment. The best part? Our orchestra is open to all USFK families!
Humphreys Youth Orchestra Summer Camp 2025: Sharpen Your Skills
Musicians can work on their skills by joining the Humphreys Youth Orchestra and Pyeongtaek University Music Summer Camp 2025. The camp is open to all instruments, including string, bass, woodwind, and percussion instruments.
A Music-Filled Week to Remember
Let’s get ready for an amazing week of music camp this summer! Last summer I attended the music camp and we're going to have a blast making music together at this year’s summer camp. Whether you're just starting out or are a star musician, you'll find your place here. It's going to be a week of summer filled with great music and new friends. You’ve got to join me. And if you are wondering what camp is like, keep reading to see a day in the life of a Humphreys Youth Orchestra musician!
A Day in the Life of a Camper
As usual, we started off on a Monday—which often signifies a rough start to the week—but since it wasn’t a school day, I thought I could manage. As I explored the music room, I discovered that the camp was alive with young, gifted musicians who wanted nothing more than to improve their skills and have fun. Every morning began with a gathering during which we shared updates and took group pictures. We also split into smaller groups, practiced and participated in lunch-break games. Lunchtime with new friends was the part I cherished most each day. The Humphreys University professors were impressive as they supported us throughout the week with their guidance and motivation. One of my coaches, who also plays the cello, even played Brawl Stars with me after the week was over.
The Grand Finale: A Community Concert
At the end of the summer camp, we were ready to present the fruits of our labor. Our musicians participate in an incredible concert at the end of the week that is open to the community. We work with professors and strive to create a memorable event for our community! We played exciting songs, such as "Hallelujah." We had pianists impressing everyone and young performers presenting a musical performance featuring K-pop songs, dance, and music. The orchestra brought it all together with the new pieces we had learned.
Support from Leadership
Colonel Workman, USAG Humphreys Garrison Command, visited us to support the orchestra. He listened to how much we have improved since we first started and offered words of wisdom for reaching our goals.
“Congratulations on your hard work and your growth this week. Your dedication and enthusiasm are truly inspiring. You’ve embraced the challenges here, and you’ve created beautiful music here, which we all hope and look forward to hearing.”~ Col. Workman
Recognition and Giving Back
The Humphreys Youth Orchestra was able to make donation to the Pyeongtaek University in support of the summer. Each one of us was also given a certificate for our accomplishments at the summer music camp.
Why You Should Join
It was a great week of music, learning, and fun. If you're a musician looking for a summer activity, then this music camp is the way to go. Instead of just staying home and staring at a screen, get out, enjoy music, meet new friends, and do something wonderful for yourself, like how I learned to communicate better and show cues on when to play to my other teammates. This will be the investment you want to make—not only to improve your skills but also to have a blast. See you at the camp for another week of fun activities!
Important Details
Who Can Join?
Students in grades 2 through 12 for the school year 2024–2025 are eligible to sign up.
Level and Eligibility
Students must know how to read music if they are playing an instrument.
A minimum of one year of experience playing the instrument is preferred.
Campers are expected to bring their own instruments, with the exception of the piano.
Cost
The camp fee is $300.
Registration is due by June 20th.
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Facebook: Humphreys Youth Orchestra
*The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
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