Christmas Music Concert at Stephen F. Austin State Park

Written by Rocky Xu Cheng

Publish Date: December 17, 2023

Our December event at Stephen F. Austin State Park started out with a very festive mood. Although it was in the middle of December, the weather was a perfect mixture of warmth and chilly, sunny and cloudy. However, instead of being relaxed, we drove into the park with a mission: to celebrate the musical skills of Connor along with everyone who would be performing at the concert later in the event.

It had rained a lot the night before, and many trails were closed due to the muddy roads. After asking the park wardens, we found out that a long loop remained open, and because we had never walked its entirety before, the team decided to choose it as the trail to hike. 

We didn’t have time to worry any more about the trail, however, because as soon as we arrived at the amphitheater, we got to work setting up the stage for the concert and the pit for the fire. Setting our sights on the Christmas tree, we first combined the segments and put the golden, star-shaped ribbon on top. Moving on to the lights, we draped the edges of the stage in our rainbow colored lights; everything turned on beautifully.

The volunteers started trickling in as we were putting finishing ribbons on to the amphitheater’s gates. We asked them to help decorate the Christmas tree with the ornaments, and they got it done in a jiffy. The pit fire was an entirely different problem. Although we had put all the firestarters in, the wood refused to light and instead continued to puff out huge plumes of smoke. The bursts of wind were no help in this regard, as the constantly changing direction of the wind blew the smoke into the faces of the parents and volunteers waiting in the audience. The fire picked up after a while, and the smoke gradually faded. 

As the event unfolded, the stage came alive with musical performances that warmed the hearts of everyone present. Connor's three violin performances showcased not just his talent but also his determination, inspiring everyone with his passionate playing despite facing challenges. The cello solo by Keen Zhou echoed beautifully through the amphitheater, filling the air with a soulful melody. And when Connor teamed up with Stephanie for a stunning violin duet, their harmony resonated in perfect synchronization, leaving the audience spellbound.

After individually applauding every musician, took out the surprise, two festive cakes for everyone to enjoy. Amid the applause and the cake-eating, Ann and Fiorella took the stage, radiating energy and enthusiasm as they dazzled everyone with their routines, lifting spirits and spreading joy.

Once the performances concluded, it was time to embark on the hike. The trail, though muddy in parts, led the group through breathtaking winter scenery, the mix of warmth and chill adding to the adventure. Ann and Winston's friendly competition for the hike leader added a playful touch to the journey, making everyone chuckle along the way.

Returning to the amphitheater, the festive decorations created a picturesque setting, thanks to the efforts of the volunteers. The lingering warmth from the pit fire and the shared moments over food created a cozy atmosphere, encouraging the volunteers and special children still there to make small talk and get to know each other better...

As the event wound down, volunteers pitched in to dismantle the decorations, wrapping up the day with a sense of togetherness and accomplishment. With hearts full of music and appreciation, the event concluded, leaving behind memories that would linger long after the day's end - memories of both the beautiful musical performances and the beautiful dedication of the volunteers to better the lives of members in their community.

Big thanks to the fourteen families with special needs attending the event. The event can only be successful with your trust.

Special thanks to seventeen volunteers: Vivek Alladi, Sana Batchu, Anvay Deshpande, Michael Eze, Xinyue Dong, Taniyah Gardner, Winston Jin, Kunsh Kalra, Karen Liu, Henry Murray, Dang Gia Vien Nguyen, Natalia Nino, Eva Ngom, Noami Palma, Natalie Marie Reese, Sarah Robie, Diego Servin, Austin Song, Winnie Sim, Felicia Tang, Michael Teng, Keen Zhou, Krisha Ruparel, Scarlett Webster for volunteering at the event and making the experience for every participant even better.