Listen to this article
For Bellevue, Washington, high school siblings John and Grace Yeom, a passion for music and serving others led them to launch the Eastside (Washington) Salvation Army Corps Cadet Chamber Orchestra, a six-member musical group performing across Bellevue at assisted living homes, senior centers, recovery homes and Salvation Army camps and events.
As corps cadets, the Yeoms are committe to service within The Salvation Army. They sought ways to unite student musicians while ministering to the community.
“We’re trying to reach more people and glorify God through our music,” said Grace Yeom. “Music brings so many opportunities for joy and fellowship.”
The siblings started the orchestra in June 2025 after being inspired by Help on the Go, a program that started in Los Angeles that brings music, tutoring and other educational activities to kids.
“We heard about how a program brought music to people in California and wanted to create something similar here in Washington,” said Grace Yeom.
John Yeom, a high school senior, also started a Salvation Army club at school, encouraging students to get involved with the Eastside Corps by helping in the kitchen and after-school programs.
Those who played instruments were invited to join the Corps Cadet Chamber Orchestra.
“There are a lot of young and talented musicians that don’t really have an outlet,” John Yeom said. “We saw this as a way to spotlight them and a chance for them to share their gifts with the community.”
The group has performed once a month since its inception, practicing individually and then coming together for a four-hour rehearsal before each performance.
“We play a lot of worship songs and hymns because that’s one way we like to honor God and share our faith,” said Grace Yeom.
She said that during a recent performance at an assisted living home, they felt especially moved as the audience began singing along to “Amazing Grace.”
“We could just feel the connection,” Grace Yeom said. “It’s those moments that really show you how powerful music can be.”
After each performance, the group engages with audience members, chatting with them and sharing homemade baked goods. They also hand out care packages, filled with socks, crossword books, lotions and other small gifts.
Eastside Corps Officers Captains Jennie and Kalani Onitsuka-Adams join the orchestra at each performance, offering prayer and support.
“This is all a part of our community care ministries,” Jennie Onitsuka-Adams said. “It’s about bringing comfort and care to those in the community who could use a little extra.”
She said that since starting the Corps Cadet Chamber Orchestra, church attendance has increased.
“They just go above and beyond and are so dedicated to God and ministering to others that it inspires people, and they want to be a part of it,” said Onitsuka-Adams.
Orchestra members have also helped at Salvation Army summer camps, teaching younger kids about classical music and what it takes to learn an instrument.
“They’re really putting themselves out there and developing a ministry with their peers and community,” she said. “To be able to share their relationship with God and use music to make these connections with people is pretty awesome.”
According to the Yeoms, the efforts are making a difference in the lives of their peers as well.
“We’ve all really enjoyed performing,” John Yeom said. “Some students didn’t realize The Salvation Army is a church or know what we do, but by inviting them in, they’re getting involved—some even started attending church too.”
In the coming months, the group has been requested to return to previous performance locations and is beginning to plan Christmas concerts at Salvation Army kettles across Bellevue.
“It’s fulfilling to see people enjoy our music,” Grace Yeom said. “We’re excited to keep going and continue to grow our ministry.”
Do Good:
- Start your day with goodness. Get on the list for Good Words from the Good Word and get a boost of inspiration in 1 minute a day with a daily affirmation from Scripture sent straight to your inbox. A pep-talk for the day. A boost of inspiration and comfort. A bit of encouragement when you need it. Get on the list and start receiving what you need today.
Download this page as a PDF
