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Published: Tuesday, 24 April 2018 13:26

Three ensembles from the Seven Lakes High School Orchestras in Katy, Texas, were selected to travel to Indianapolis, Indiana, to perform in Music for All’s Orchestra America National Festival in March 2018.

And then Hurricane Harvey struck.

More than 25 percent of the students and their families were displaced or evacuated due to flooding or secondary flooding. Of the 180 students initially interested in participating in the trip, only 43 students could afford the cost, due to expensive home repairs.

Aubrey Cui, a gifted violinist, was one student whose family could no longer afford the trip.

Now finishing his sophomore year, Cui had won spots as a region orchestra member since seventh grade, joined Seven Lakes High School’s varsity orchestra his freshman year, and currently serves on the student leadership team. A straight-A student, he is also enrolled in multiple Pre-AP and AP classes.

As a member of the student leadership team, Cui was required to go on the trip. Additionally, the festival would expose Cui to a plethora of musically enriching activities—including playing at Hilbert Hall, home of the Indianapolis Symphony; taking master classes with symphony members; and receiving adjudication from world-renowned music educators.

Yet, five inches of flooding caused extensive damage to his family’s home. Living in a no flood zone, the family did not have flood insurance and had to spend tens of thousands of dollars in repairs—including $30,000 just for drywall.

After receiving a $750 Road Scholarship from SYF, however, Cui was able to travel to Indianapolis and perform in the Orchestra America National Festival.

Thanks to your support, SYF has awarded more than $1.2 million in scholarship and programs, enabling students like Cui to participate in life-changing travel experiences. Impact more student and youth lives by donating to SYF today.