Our Vision
To be a vibrant and transformative influence in the San Francisco Bay Area, enriching the lives of young people by celebrating the beauty of Chinese opera. Our vision is of a community where kids are inspired, cultural connections are fostered, and the art of Chinese opera flourishes.
Jing Shao Nian (JSN) is an immersive experience into the world of Peking and Cantonese opera, involving performances, martial arts classes, Chinatown field trips, Chinese history lectures, and community service projects.
Our Why
From founder, Julia Howe
Chinese opera is an art form I grew up with, watching on my Grandma and Grandpa's TV when I went over to their house. After the recent resurgence of Chinese Opera among youth, thanks to video games like Genschin Impact, so many kids want to learn more about their cultural heritage and beyond that, perform it. To save this important part of our culture, we need to create more chances for young people to experience and participate in Chinese opera. By promoting it and making it accessible to kids, we can keep this tradition alive. Let's inspire a new generation to appreciate and perform Chinese opera, ensuring that its unique beauty is enjoyed for years to come.
Mission Statement
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Meet the Team
Founder and Advisor
Julia Hui-Ming Howe
I’m a freshman at Yale University. I was first introduced to Peking Opera while sitting around the TV with my Popo. One of my favorite memories is giving my own “mini-performances” for her before dinner.
Executive Director
Samantha Zhi-Mei Morris
I’m an 11th grader at College Preparatory School. I love Chinese Opera because growing up, I’ve always been surrounded by Chinese performing arts and some of my favorite memories have been watching all the performances at Chinese New Year and performing in Chinese dance.
Student Engagement Leader
Nate Howe
I'm a 9th grader at the Urban School of San Francisco. I was a student at Jing Shao Nian in 6th and 7th grade and learned how meaningful Chinese Opera is. I like it because it connects me to my culture, tells me powerful stories, and keeps traditions alive.
Outreach Manager
Marissa Bastunas
I'm a 9th grader at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory. My love for Chinese opera started when Julia created this program and I had joined. I had no idea how amazing and cultural it was until I actually got to experience it myself.
Logistics Coordinator
Elise Chen
I'm a 9th grader at the Urban School of San Francisco. I remember celebrating Chinese New Year growing up, fascinated by all the legends and history behind the traditions. JSN has helped me learn more about my culture.
Logistics Coordinator in Training
Jeffrey Situ
I’m an 8th grader at Herbert Hoover Middle School. I grew up in a Chinese family with grandparents who enjoy Chinese Opera a lot. Whenever we were watching it, it brought a lot of joy to us. I want to share my culture with other people so I joined Jing Shao Nian to spread it.
Community Engagement & Social Media Manager
Lauren Yue
I’m a 10th grader at the College Preparatory School. Coming from a Chinese heritage, I’ve long been exposed to Chinese arts growing up. I love watching Chinese opera performed on Lunar New Year and learning the art myself. I hope to continue to pursue this passion through this organization.
What's Changed?
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Chinese opera was discouraged during the Cultural Revolution and it's still in decline today.
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Genshin Impact released a character that is the director of a Chinese opera company.
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This brought attention to the art form and many young adult players have expressed interest in listening to and learning more about Chinese opera.
In this article, we chat with Samantha Morris about the vital journey from idea to execution. She emphasizes the need to share the often-ignored details and reveals how Jing Shao Nian (京少年) was inspired by childhood memories of Cantonese opera, showcasing the impact of personal connections on innovation.
Learn more about how Jing Shao Nian is bridging generations by bringing the art of Chinese opera to Bay Area youth through performance, culture, and community connection in this article by Stephanie Lam, with Bay City News.
Read more about our founder, Julia, and what inspired her to immerse herself in the cultural work of spreading the art of Chinese opera to the youth!
Now in its third year, Jing Shao Nian (京少年) is a thriving program where students learn the art form and share it with others. To date, over 1,000 students have participated in workshops and intensive six-month programs. The curriculum, Julia explains, goes far beyond the music: "It's not just the singing; it’s also stage movement and martial arts. It's actually very intense and very exciting."
Jing Shao Nian and founder Julia Howe are so honored to receive the Princeton Prize in Race Relations (PPRR) Certificate of Accomplishment, one of two awarded in the Bay Area. PPRR honors high schoolers who have advanced racial equity or promoted racial understanding in their schools and communities. We will be honored at a ceremony on May 17 by the SF-Bay Area PPRR Committee.
Princeton Prize in Race Relations - Certificate of Accomplishment
Founder Julia Howe was honored at the APA Heritage Awards, San Francisco’s official celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Hosted by the APA Heritage Foundation, the awards recognize individuals and organizations who have made meaningful contributions to AAPI culture, community service, and civic life in San Francisco.
