Woori Center recognizes the huge value of arts and culture to individuals and society. Woori Center’s Arts & Culture programs and projects that will not only expand access to artistic and cultural experiences for our community members, but also help them better understand and acknowledge the diversity of our community and put in daily practices that echo Woori Center and NAKASEC’s founding values: Live Right, Live Strong, Know Your Roots, and Live Together.
Know Your Roots: Explore Korean Music Through Danso
Woori Center provides a virtual ten week-long Korean music class with a master Korean musician, gamin. Through the hands-on experience of playing Danso, students will learn about various topics such as vocal music, instrumental music, and ritual music; an introduction to Korean folk songs, jangdan (rhythm), traditional children’s songs, and Korean music; and the lyrics of Arirang folk songs. Our 40-minute classes will consist of 20-minute lectures and 20-minute practical lessons.
Gamin Kang, simply known as “gamin,” a distinguished NYC soloist, tours the world performing both traditional Korean music and cross-disciplinary collaborations. Gamin plays piri (double reed Korean oboe), taepyeonso (double-reed horn), and saenghwang (mouth organ). She is a designated Yisuja, official holder of Important Intangible Cultural Asset No. 46 for Court and Royal Military music.
We want to offer this space as an opportunity for us to take care of ourselves, as playing Danso and learning about the calming music can reduce your stress and strengthen your immune system. Moreover, Gamin will help you explore various types of Korean music and learn about the songs our parents and their parents sang for centuries!
Our lessons will take place on Wednesdays from June 16 to August 18. Grades 3-6 will be at 3pm; Grades 7-12 will be at 4pm; Adult classes will be at 8pm. While the course itself is free, Woori Center asks that students come prepared with their own instrument or purchase a Danso through us!
Please sign up for the class at bit.ly/Summer-Danso-Class. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact us through info@wooricenterpa.org.
Woori Center’s Lunar New Year Concert for Healing
Woori Center is excited to host its first Lunar New Year Concert for Healing on Sunday, February 14th at 4 PM.
In recognizing the negative impact of COVID-19 on maintaining our community connections and our mental wellbeing, Woori Center created a space where community members can seek healing through music. Throughout the ages, music has continuously been a wonderful resource to promote healing and encourage feelings of peace and serenity. The concert was led by Minsun Lee, a clinical psychologist, and Gamin, a distinguished NYC soloist.
Breathing Body: Activating and Releasing from the Inside Out
Join movement artist Jungwoong Kim for a six week virtual self-care program to end your Mondays with some self-care movement meditation to help you release stress, calm your body, and reset your flow!
We will do breathing exercises, stretching, gentle muscle toning, and voice explorations. This weekly practice can help you develop new healthy habits for your nightly routine to promote restful sleep and body-mind renewal.
Everyone is welcome to join! We will modify the movement to meet your ability and capacity. We do not have a Breathing Body class at this time. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact us through info@wooricenterpa.org.
Keep an eye out for additional virtual meditation and yoga sessions, concerts, and a Korean Percussion Band (사물놀이 samulnori) class!
