Junior Erin Han brought back the Music to the Brain program under the Psychology and Neuroscience club in November after it discontinued in 2023. Music to the Brain is a part of the club that focuses on using music to better the community. Their next event is Christmas caroling Dec. 14 at an assistive care home.
“At this time of year everyone is with their families, but people in those facilities don’t have the opportunity to experience that,” Han said. “I want to spread those emotions I felt experiencing music and put that out to other people.”
They will visit Grand Brook Memory Care in Carrollton. There are a total of 10 members in Music to the Brain, with seven members signed up for caroling. This includes those involved in the orchestra, band and choir program. Junior Anna Marchand will be playing the flute at this event.
“[Erin] has a lot of motivation to be good,” Marchand said. “It’s inspiring for other people to see that too and see that the leader of [Music to the Brain] is good at what she does.”
Music to the Brain’s main purpose was influenced by the research showing the impact of music on people’s well-being. They also plan to create events that will introduce new forms of music to younger kids and inspire them to join high school music programs.
“Music is powerful,” Marchand said. “It spark[s] a passion for [children] and inspires interests. It’s a great community and such a great thing to be involved in. You can feel that it’s powerful and see it affecting the audience.”
Officers of the club helped Han spread the word and open Music to the Brain. Senior and treasurer Hamsika Yalla will be playing the clarinet during the caroling event. Both Han and Yalla have been playing the clarinet since the sixth grade.
“A lot of the time, we think that fine arts and music is pointless in our world, but it’s very helpful, especially when considering it from a neuroscience perspective,” Yalla said. “It’s important for them to feel just as celebrated as everyone else.”
There have been posters and posts on the Psychology and Neuroscience club’s social media to spread awareness about Music to the Brain and the caroling event. In the future, the members of Music to the Brain said they hope to influence more people to sign up for these events.
The current playlist for caroling includes “Last Christmas” by Wham! and “Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms.
“Music doesn’t have any borders or walls,” Han said. “It’s a pillar to support people and their dreams. I’ve seen myself and the people that supported me grow not only through music but also in character as well.”