In a world where modern beats often dominate playlists, two Grade 11 students are striking a different chord. YouLan Li ’26 and Irene Yang ’26, co-heads of the Traditional Instrument Club, are on a mission to celebrate cultural heritage through music. With their passion for traditional instruments and support from their strings teacher, Ms. Guillen, they’re creating a space where melodies from around the world come to life.
“We realized there wasn’t enough exploration or awareness of cultural music at school,” said YouLan. “We wanted to change that by introducing the unique sounds and stories behind traditional instruments.”
The club, founded earlier this year, has quickly become a hub for students eager to learn about instruments that carry centuries of history. From the hauntingly beautiful notes of the traditional Chinese instrument, guzheng, to the lively rhythms of the Egyptian, goblet-shaped drum, darbuka, the Traditional Instrument Club invites students to step into a world where music is more than sound—it’s storytelling.
Connecting Through Music
The mission of the club is simple: to bring people together through music and share the beauty of cultural traditions. For YouLan and Irene, the journey has been as rewarding as the melodies themselves.
“What keeps us going is the magic of discovering something new,” Irene explained. “Whether it’s the sound of an unfamiliar instrument or the history behind it, there’s always something to learn.”
Students in the club don’t just learn how to play instruments; they delve into the stories and moods each instrument conveys.
“Every instrument has its own unique sound and intention,” added YouLan. “Music connects people, and traditional instruments feel like a bridge between the past and the present.”
Expanding Horizons
Looking to the future, the club aims to expand its reach and impact. Collaborations with other music groups like the Piano Club and Classical Music Society are already in the works. These partnerships promise performances that blend traditional and modern music, breaking stereotypes about what music education can look like.
“We’re also hoping to host workshops with musicians from different cultures,” Irene shared. “Imagine learning about the erhu (a Chinese, two-stringed bowed instrument), or the sitar (a plucked stringed instrument used in Hindustani classical music) from someone who grew up playing it—that’s the kind of experience we want to offer.”
Building a Legacy
As the founders of the Traditional Instrument Club, YouLan and Irene hope their efforts will leave a lasting legacy.
“Ultimately, this club isn’t just about music,” said YouLan. “It’s about building connections and celebrating cultural heritage. We want to show how traditional and classical instruments can come together to create something new.”
With every note played and every story shared, the club is doing more than teaching music. It’s fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for the rich tapestry of global traditions. For the students of SMUS, the Traditional Instrument Club is a reminder that music’s true power lies in its ability to connect us.
