fairy of contrabass

Biography

Ha Sora was born in Yeosu-si, Busan as the second daughter to traditional etiquette teacher, Ha Beom-su, and classical pianist, Heo Dambi. She grew up on a family farm/etiquette school that helped employ a few of the village's residents so it was always a warm, community-oriented upbringing for her.

In the mornings, she and her sister, Soeun, would recieve lessons from their father in etiquette before heading to the local school that taught only half the day. This allowed for children to go home and help with their family farms and/or businesses. For Sora and Soeun, this meant any combination of sitting in on classes to encourage shy or nervous younger kids, tending to easier-to-handle crops, harvesting, or attending pansoori lessons. It was certainly a busy upbringing but Sora always looks back on it fondly because it was a simple life.

Her dive into the musical niche started with one of these simple pastimes. By the time that they were 12 and 10, the girls had begun performing in their village, and surrounding ones, as a pansori duo with both of them as vocals while Soeun played the buk and Sora played the gayageum. The girls were well recieved and as videos began to make their way around the internet, there was high praise as the South Korean government considers many pansori singers to be "living national treasures." Dubbed the Ha Sisters, they played together at festivals all around the country and even on a major talk/variety show.

As with any duo, though, there was the possibility of one overshadowing the other. Soeun was talented, definitely, but media had a tendency to focus on how the younger Sora could freestyle like a seasoned pro, how she had perfect pitch, and how powerful her voice was despite her age. A mere year and a half after they got their start, Soeun stopped doing traditional music to focus more on her other hobbies. Always feeling guilty for her sister's departure, Sora, eventually stopped doing pansoori professionally.

By the time she graduated high school, Sora was just your average kid that only Yoesu locals reckoned as a celebrity. She had gotten into other musical pursuits and wanted to study music in university. She started with applied music but gayageum just wasn't an option out of loyalty to Soeun, so she turned to the next massive instrument USKB had: the double bass. And, just like with gayageum, Sora was a natural—a prodigy.

She gained a lot of popularity for, not only her skill, but also the often embarrassing sensationalism that surrounded how small she was compared to the instrument. She ended up all over the news—locally and viral among the internet's classical music corners—lwhich has opened the door to a lot of opportunities for Sora; especially after graduation.

For a couple of years, Sora spent time building her brand and making connections. She took on gigs at various functions like galas, weddings, fundraisers, etc. which became her stepping stones into being a full-time freelance musician. After that "break," she re-enrolled in USKB to get another bachelor's in composition and, immediately after, she starter her master's in classical music before graduating in December 2022. No longer a student, Sora spends most of her time preparing for the next job or honing her skills. She also does composition—both song and musical scores—as a way to pay rent and other expenses.

Personality

Due to literally growing up in an etiquette school, Sora can be quite stiff and stoic or ultra polite on first meetings. From first impressions, many would label her as shy or quiet but she really just prefers to observe and get all information possible before reacting. Despite all that, on top of a serious RSF (resting sad face), she is honestly a laid back, friendly person. It just takes a bit of work to chip away at her learned layers. She's cool once you get to know her! Even if she has a tendency to be deadpan and ruthlessly sarcastic...and curse like a sailor.

likes: dogs, baseball, indie films, spring, autumn, sweets, milk tea, egg tarts, dark chocolate, tanghulu, parks, and the beach

dislikes: coffee without a ton of creamer and sugar, bugs, winter, storms with building-shaking winds

hobbies: songwriting, baseball, baking, late night walks in the park, horror movies & gaming, camping, hiking, and discovering new beaches

Miscellaneous

socials and contact:
- instagram: @contrayojong
- spotify: hasossi
- email: sorahabass@gmail.com ; srha924@naver.co.kr
- kakaotalk: hasossi

USKB extracurriculars:
- USKB Orchestra, double bass/contrabass
- "Running Man" Hiking Society, founding member since her initial freshman year's 2nd semester
- Malmyeong Horror Collective, vice president during her initial junior & senior year

Sora stopped all non-orchestra extracurricular activities during her second bachelor's run because outside gigs took up 80% of her non-class time

notable work experience:
- took 2nd place in the 2018 Bradetich Foundation International Double Bass Solo Competition
- subtitutes occassionally for the Busan and Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestras; has been doing so for three and a half years
- was a graduate teaching assistant (Music History I & II) at USKB until she finished her master's program
- played on a revival of KBS Classic Odyssey (a TV special) in 2020

goals:
- to release her first solo album
- to hold a concert at Carnegie Hall—a shared dream with her best friends, a violinist and cellist