The Hearts Behind the Harmony
A dedicated board team of educators, artists, and advocates working together to bridge the gap in arts access for the next generation of creators.
Hawon Song
Founder & president
Hawon is a current senior at Bergen County Academies in New Jersey, where he studies in the Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, specializing in music. Having grown up surrounded by opportunities to learn, perform, and connect through music, he gradually began questioning why these same experiences remained out of reach for so many others. Through performances and outreach in underserved communities, he came to recognize that barriers to music education extend far beyond the cost of an instrument or a lesson, often reflecting deeper socioeconomic inequalities that shape who gets to participate in the arts. These experiences inspired him to establish Equal Notes, rooted in the belief that music should be a shared opportunity rather than a privilege. With a particular interest in the intersection of education, sociology, and community engagement, Hawon hopes to challenge the systemic barriers that limit access to the arts while fostering meaningful connections through music. He firmly believes that lasting change begins not simply by bringing music into communities, but by empowering individuals to make it their own. His free time is spent getting frozen yogurt with friends, listening to music across all genres, and café-hopping in search of the perfect study spot!
Lia Rujipornwasin
director of communication
Lia is a current junior at Bergen County Academies in New Jersey, where she studies music in the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts. Having spent over a decade studying classical piano, she has experienced firsthand how music can foster personal growth, bring people together, and create meaningful connections across communities. Through performing, mentoring younger students, and participating in music outreach initiatives, she has developed a deeper appreciation for the role music can play in making the arts more accessible. These experiences have also sparked her interest in combining music, communications, and education, particularly how storytelling can amplify the impact of arts initiatives and inspire community engagement. Through her work with music organizations and educational initiatives, including Equal Notes, she hopes to use media to highlight the work of arts organizations, raise awareness of music education opportunities, and inspire greater community engagement. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new cafés and restaurants, dancing, and spending time with friends.
Maxx Lee
director of outreach
Maxx Lee is a current junior at Cresskill High School in New Jersey. Having played the cello for years, he has experienced firsthand how music can bring people together, foster personal growth, and create meaningful connections across communities. Through his involvement in performances, youth orchestras, and volunteer work, he has developed a passion for helping out with the community. This inspired his involvement with Equal Notes, where he would be able to help out those in need through music. Through outreach initiatives, including interactive music workshops for children, he hopes to make classical music more accessible and engaging for those who may not otherwise encounter it. He hopes to continue exploring how education and community engagement can create opportunities for others while building connections through his own interests. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, eating, and spending time with friends.
Eric Bae
director of music
Hawon is a current senior at Bergen County Academies in New Jersey, where he studies in the Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, specializing in music. Having grown up surrounded by opportunities to learn, perform, and connect through music, he gradually began questioning why these same experiences remained out of reach for so many others. Through performances and outreach in underserved communities, he came to recognize that barriers to music education extend far beyond the cost of an instrument or a lesson, often reflecting deeper socioeconomic inequalities that shape who gets to participate in the arts. These experiences inspired him to establish Equal Notes, rooted in the belief that music should be a shared opportunity rather than a privilege. With a particular interest in the intersection of education, sociology, and community engagement, Hawon hopes to challenge the systemic barriers that limit access to the arts while fostering meaningful connections through music. He firmly believes that lasting change begins not simply by bringing music into communities, but by empowering individuals to make it their own. His free time is spent getting frozen yogurt with friends, listening to music across all genres, and café-hopping in search of the perfect study spot!
Hajun Song
webmaster
Hajun is a 9th-grade student at Cresskill High School with a strong interest in music, sports, and technology. He is a member of the Cresskill High School Band and has been playing the viola for eight years. His interest in music began when his older brother started playing the cello, inspiring Hajun to learn an instrument that was similar. Outside of music, Hajun enjoys playing basketball, baseball, soccer, golf, and Taekwondo. He also enjoys fishing, skiing, and spending time with friends. In addition to his many activities, Hajun has developed skills in computer science, including experience with Python programming. He used these skills to create and develop the website for the Equal Notes organization, combining his interests in technology and music to contribute to the organization’s mission.