San Francisco Conservatory of Music Students Raises Funds for LA Fire Victims

Through the concert, the school’s pre-college students raised $5,000 in donations for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles

With the original goal of procuring $1,500 for LA wildfire relief, a concert produced by a team of pre-college students of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) finished with funds of $5,000 to go toward ReBUILD LA — an initiative of the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles. 

The benefit concert was created by Ariel Chien and Irene Hwang, co-presidents of the SFCM Pre-College Student Council, alongside the Community Engagement Chairs Garrick Chau and Chloe So. 

Performers at the event included pre-college students of the SFCM voice, piano, guitar, winds, violin, and cello departments. Closing the concert was rising star violinist Ava Pakiam, who has performed with the Oakland, Seattle, Olympia, and Stockton symphonies.

“The Pre-College Student Council has always organized annual benefit concerts, but this one felt especially meaningful,” Chien said. “Although the planning process was more rushed than usual, spanning merely two weeks, it was incredible to see our students come together, whether volunteering to perform at the concert or working behind the scenes. 

“We’re grateful to receive overwhelming support from the community,” she continued. “Our hearts especially go out to the fellow musicians and students in Southern California affected by these fires — those who have lost their homes, schools, instruments and other invaluable belongings.”

“I have close family in LA, and though they are unharmed, I have been following the wildfire status closely,” Chau added. “It was a great team effort to put this together in less than 2 weeks, with overwhelming support from the performers, our staff, and the love of our community. I sincerely hope these funds will help the wildfire victims to rebuild their homes. After all, home is where the heart is, and I believe music is a bridge from our homes to our hearts.”