The Irvine Senior Harmonica Band recently held its “Spring Recital” at the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center(SCCCC), performing 14 pieces from solos to full ensemble.
The program featured Taiwanese pop, Hakka folk, Western country, and patriotic songs. A standout moment was a solo by Indian American beginner Kirit Shah, who shared a folk tune from his homeland.
The concert’s melodic harmonica and heartfelt performances won enthusiastic applause.
Founding director Norma Ouyang and president Yvonne opened the event by presenting a card and flowers to Yulan Chung, CEO of the SCCCC, honoring her 2025 “Women of the Year” award and thanking her for her support.
Yulan Chung shared her love for the band’s performances and said she was especially touched to see so many senior members expressing themselves through music and enriching each other’s lives.
She also reflected on the low visibility of Asian women in immigrant communities, noting their vital but often overlooked contributions. She hopes this recognition will inspire greater awareness and appreciation for Asian women.
Norma（From right to left）、Yvonne、Yulan Chung and Melody
On April 19, the Irvine Senior Harmonica Band held its “Spring Recital” at the SCCCC’s Amphitheater. Founding director Norma Ouyang served as MC, with Shiyun Chung conducting and president Yvonne leading over 20 members in a lively performance.
Kirit Shah and his wife
Norma introduced the 14-piece program, which featured a diverse mix of Taiwanese pop, Hakka folk, Western country, love songs, and patriotic tunes—ranging from solos and duets to five-part ensemble performances.
Highlights included Oliver’s masterful solo of “The Hill of Youth,” showcasing smooth transitions and skilled breath control.
The full band’s lively rendition of “Rose, Rose, I Love You” and a touching duet of “The Grateful Heart” by Cathy and Annette blended joy and emotion, drawing the audience into soft humming and heartfelt sing-alongs.
Three beginner members performed a lively trio of “Flower March,” with bright, rhythmic harmonic tones. Indian American Kirit Shah also impressed with a heartfelt solo of a folk tune from his homeland.The concert ended on a high note with a full-band performance of “God Bless America.”
President Yvonne shared that the band rehearses just 90 minutes a week, and all recital performers volunteered and practiced on their own. She thanked the founding director, conductor, members, and audience for making the concert a success.
Irvine Senior Harmonica Band
Founded in 2015 by clinical psychologist Dr. Norma Ouyang, the Irvine Senior Harmonica Band is based at the Lakeview Senior Center and is one of the city’s key programs for older adults.
The band has nearly 40 members, ranging in age from 60 to nearly 90. Once considered a child’s toy, the harmonica is now a fun, portable instrument enjoyed by people of all ages. Members learn to play solos, duets, trios, chamber music, and full ensemble pieces.
Beginner classes are offered every January and July at the Lakeview Senior Center, open to those with no musical background. After six months of training, students can audition to join the band.
For more information, call (949) 857-0299 or email fe20@hotmail.com.
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The Hill of Youth" , solo by Oliver