About Us
Shimtah
Shimtah is an entirely student-led organization at Cornell University dedicated to spreading awareness of Korean culture through the art of Korean traditional drumming, Samulnori. Shimtah focuses on bringing together students of any background who share a love for the rhythms and cultural heritage of Samulnori. In line with this objective, Shimtah has no audition process and requires no previous experience. Through regular practices, performances, and social events, Shimtah fosters a deep appreciation for this unique art form while creating a strong sense of community among its members. The club performs at various campus events and local festivals, offering a vibrant showcase of traditional Korean music and dance.
Samul-Nori, a genre of traditional Korean percussion that has evolved from Pungmul-Nori, features four instruments: Buk, Janggu, Swe, and Jing. Each symbolizes clouds, rain, thunder, and wind, respectively, and when played together, these instruments not only echo the sounds of nature but also embody the unique Korean concept of ‘흥' – the feel of a fusion of excitement and joy that comes from music and percussion. Beyond mere musical performance, Samul-Nori encapsulates the essence of communal play and enjoyment, reflecting the intimate relationship between humans and their environment.
Today, Samul-Nori is not as present in public spaces as when it used to be Pungmul-Nori, and instead can only be seen during special events and performances. Despite this fact, Samul-Nori remains significant and is a cherished aspect of Korean culture, preserved and celebrated by its people. Recognizing the importance of preserving this heritage, Shimtah serves as an avenue for cultural continuity. Through practicing traditional drums and instruments, Shimtah not only showcases Korean musical traditions but also fosters a deeper connection with Korean cultural roots. In foreign settings such as ours, the practice of our ancestral traditions holds profound significance, bridging geographical and cultural distances. In Shimtah, we partake in passing on [傳] our culture to the community of Cornell. But also we are in the process of being passed on [傳] and reclaiming our ancestral legacies.
Samul-Nori
