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"Healing through Hearing: Dalat Students IMPACT Mount Miriam" by Aydan Wong

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On December 1, 2025, Student IMPACT Club's Music Team arrived at Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital, kicking off the Christmas season with a heartfelt performance. IMPACT’s music outreach, though less renowned than its food drives or Zoom tutoring, is nonetheless a key part of its identity, involving just as much work, dedication, and behind-the-scenes mayhem.

At 8 a.m, the Music Team members gathered at Dalat for last-minute practice, their passion for serving stronger than the irresistible urge to sleep in. “I just love the joy we bring by making music,” said Sharon Baek (12), the Music Team’s main Guitarist. 

One would be mistaken, however, in assuming order or organization based on this enthusiasm. In fact, Haw Zheng (12) was meant to play piano at Mount Miriam before dengue confined him to a hospital bed, and two other members of Student IMPACT only announced their absence the day before the performance.

“It was chaotic,” Sharon recalled with a laugh.

Even with the frantic lead-up to their performance, the Music Team nevertheless arrived at Mount Miriam precisely at 9 am, met with an eager audience of doctors, nurses, and patients. 

“There was even an old guy in a bed who they wheeled out to the lobby,” said Sharon. Despite the intimidating crowd and the pressure to perform well, the Music Team’s zeal for service and for music drove them on. 

“Before the event,” said trombonist Euodia Leung (12), “I wasn’t nervous. I just thought, ‘This’ll be fun.’”

And indeed, fun was in no short supply at Mount Miriam for the next two hours. At the piano, Catherine Komensen (12) led the eclectic ensemble through classics such as The Christmas Song, Christmas Time is Here, and Edelweiss, creating a wholesome, cozy atmosphere that permeated the whole hospital. Elaborate instrumentation wasn’t the only plus of the performance, however - with just her acoustic guitar, Sharon led everyone in a rousing rendition of Top of the World. Kind words and candy canes flowed freely from the members of IMPACT, both during and after the performance, touching the hearts of all those in attendance. 

“They clapped,” said Euodia, with a fond and reminiscent smile on her face. “They cheered. The staff even took pictures.”

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