How we build 'Youth En Gedi'

Testimonials

What they say about us

Eun Seo Park

Violin – Class of 2007

She is a dedicated violinist and passionate mentor. After years of serving as a violin professor at universities and music institutes, she and her husband (a cellist) established a studio in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. Their mission is to inspire and empower the next generation of musicians and foster a love for the arts within their community. She continues to perform actively as a soloist and chamber musician while guiding aspiring artists towards their musical goals.

“Being part of Youth En Gedi was an incredible experience that shaped me as a musician and artist. It taught me the value of passion, dedication, hard work, achievement, and serving through music. Under Ms. Yoon’s inspiring leadership, I grew not only as a violinist but also as a person, and she remains my lifelong role model. Youth En Gedi instilled in me the profound impact music can have, a lesson that now drives my work mentoring young musicians.”

Kevin Hong

Violin – Class of 2012

My name is Kevin Hong and I’m honored to have a small part in contributing to this home page. I began my Youth En Gedi journey in YEG Studio back in 2012 during my early high school years as I began violin instruction under Ms. Yoon. I then joined YEG in 2013 and had the privilege of leading YEG as the concert violinist from 2014-2015 as a senior in high school. I graduated in 2015 and look back fondly at those years of taking part in an ensemble like YEG.

YEG was one of the first places that I experienced faith and music collide, so it holds a very special place in my heart. I am currently living in Boston, Massachusetts and serving as the worship director at my church. My experience with YEG and my discipleship under Ms. Yoon have been instrumental in my journey of becoming a worship leader in the church context. Time and again during my years at YEG, I was reminded that the mission of the music being played was not the music itself, but the glory of our Lord. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” -1 Corinthians 10:31.

Let’s continue to glorify God in all that we do, including music! I will always remember and pray for Youth En Gedi, and I am excited to see where the Lord directs Ms. Yoon and this talented group of young musicians. May the Lord bless you.”

Tony Choi

Violin – Class of 2015

My name is Tony Choi, and I played violin in Youth En Gedi from 2009 to 2012. I moved to Boston in 2012 and later graduated from high school in 2015.

Playing music in Youth En Gedi remains one of the most joyful experiences of my youth—a time filled with camaraderie, community, and shared purpose. The most memorable moment was traveling to New York to perform at Carnegie Hall, where the collective effort of students and parents culminated in a deeply rewarding experience of growth and celebration. My formative years in Youth En Gedi taught me to pursue every endeavor with discipline and dedication—qualities that have helped me succeed in other areas of my life.
After college, I worked as an investment banker at J.P. Morgan, and I’m now in graduate school, pursuing a Master in Public Policy at Harvard University and a Juris Doctor at UC Berkeley. After graduation, I will begin my career as a corporate lawyer.

James Yang

Violin – Class of 2016

Youth En Gedi was my first introduction to chamber music, and I greatly thank Ms. Yoon for this experience. I always found chamber music to be almost a reprieve from practicing my solo repertoire. It was always a fun thing to look forward to and I can only remember joyful moments from rehearsals and performances. I started En Gedi very early on around 2008 mostly with the first wave of members. As one of the youngest members at that time, I was particularly excited to play with the upperclassmen whom I looked up to dearly. En Gedi participated in numerous competitions as well and we had the privilege of travelling after winning a few times. These colorful experiences in my formative years shaped my childhood and I often look back with nostalgia.

Moved in 2011 (would’ve been 2016 if I stayed until the end of high school)

I moved to New York in 2011 to pursue violin professionally at Juilliard in my pre-college years. Afterwards, I attended Columbia University for my B.A. in math, computer science, and statistics. Recently, I received my Ph.D. in statistics from Stanford University and started full-time at D.E. Shaw as a quantitative developer.

Allan Huang

Violin – Class of 2016

I always looked forward to our time together at the end of the week – the studio was our comfy place of love and music, filled with bright laughter and the smells of delicious food. En Gedi is truly something special, and I will forever cherish my memories from those years.

Graduated high school 2016, College 2020 & Currently a software engineer at Google

Eric Ryu

Violin, Piano – Class of 2024

Youth En Gedi was the reason I continued pursuing music from middle school through high school. Teacher Yoon’s care towards her students made a lasting impact on me, and I’m deeply grateful for how she helped me love music as much as I do today. Through En Gedi, I’ve built meaningful friendships and lasting memories. It has taught me that music isn’t just a hobby—it’s a powerful tool to help uplift others.

Graduated in 2024 / I’m currently studying Data Science at the University of Washington in Seattle. I’ve continued to pursue music by joining a Korean band called Kkanmaneul (깐마늘) as a keyboard, and we perform a mix of Korean indie, rock, and rock ballads, with concerts held once every quarter. (@kkanmaneul_uw on Instagram)

Hannah Lee

Violin – Class of 2024

I joined Youth En Gedi when I was in sixth grade and I have felt incredibly grateful for the opportunity to give back to my community. Being a part of this group has taught me the importance of outreach. Although I graduated last year, I always take the wisdom and knowledge gained from my time with En Gedi. Currently, I’m a freshman at the Eastman School of Music studying violin performance.

Nahtan Rhee

Clarinet – Class of 2024

I played clarinet for 5 years with Youth En Gedi, absolutely loved all of the amazing friends and great laughs I had at every single rehearsal. An experience I will never forget and truly am thankful for today.

Class of 2024 / Studying Data Science and Stats at UC Berkeley

Name

Aret oporteat inciderint te est. Sed no errem deseruisse.
Consequat cotidieque qui id, ceteros electram eos in.

Name

Aret oporteat inciderint te est. Sed no errem deseruisse.
Consequat cotidieque qui id, ceteros electram eos in.