Pictured from top left to bottom right: Key to Change student soloists Ciku, Thomas, Laila, Avi, and Tyree
Key to Change is proud to announce that five of our talented violin and viola students have been selected to perform as soloists at our Spring Salon Community Concert alongside the Federal Way Symphony on March 29 at Benaroya Hall. Dr. Quinton Morris, Executive Director and Founder of Key to Change, and Mara Gearman, Key to Change Music Instructor and Assistant Principal Viola of the Seattle Symphony, determined the student selection through a competitive internal audition process last month.
Avi Spillers (Violin, Grade 11), Ciku Maina (Viola, Grade 10), Thomas Luu (Violin, Grade 9), and Tyree Carr (Viola, Grade 10) have been selected to perform as soloists with the orchestra, with Laila West (Violin, Grade 12) as the senior student opener. For Ciku and Tyree, this will be their first time debuting with a full orchestra.
For some of these students, this will be their first time performing as soloists with a full orchestra. It is a moment that once may have felt distant or even impossible.
“I’m really excited for this experience! I feel like I’m in shock”, said Ciku, viola student soloist from Hazen High School in Renton, WA. “I’ve never gotten the chance to solo with an orchestra before. It’s a lot of responsibility to lead, so I feel a bit nervous. I’m proud of all of us; everyone deserves to be there. And my teacher, Ms. Gearman, has been really supportive through this process in offering encouragement. It’s great to feel so connected.”
That connection is at the heart of Key to Change. More than 92% of students enrolled in the program receive financial aid. Through scholarships and subsidized tuition, students across South King County are able to access high quality violin and viola instruction, performance opportunities, and consistent mentorship regardless of financial circumstance.
This year, Key to Change launched a new $25 tuition program, allowing students from households earning 50,000 dollars or below to participate in group lessons twice per week over a 13 week term. The program reduces financial barriers while increasing instructional time and musical growth.
Moments like this performance at Benaroya Hall are built on that foundation of access.
The collaboration with the Federal Way Symphony is especially meaningful as Key to Change has recently expanded its programming into Federal Way. Establishing a new teaching location in the community and partnering with the region’s professional orchestra reflects a shared commitment to investing in young musicians and strengthening the cultural fabric of South King County.
When these students walk onto the stage, they carry more than their instruments. They carry the support of teachers who believe in them, families who encourage them, and a community of donors and partners who make access possible.
Join Us and Help Sustain This Work
The Spring Salon Community Concert will take place on March 29 at Benaroya Hall. Admission is free with advance registration.
We invite you to attend and witness what is possible when talent is nurtured and opportunity is accessible.
Register to attend. Share this event. Make a gift. Help us ensure that many more students can see themselves not just in the audience, but on the stage.
If you believe that every student deserves the chance to grow, lead, and perform on stages like this one, consider supporting scholarship access and expanded programming in Federal Way and across South King County.
