Greater Tacoma Community Foundation

PLEASE JOIN US on Friday, May 9 at 7:30pm in the Great Hall at Town Hall Seattle for "Ben's Birthday CellObration," a free community concert of chamber music in support of the Ben Faigin Music Opportunity Fund. This fund provides scholarships, financial aid, concert opportunities, and awards for low-income and BIPOC youth musicians.

The evening will feature performances by professional, amateur, and youth musicians, hosted by Seattle's cultural luminaries, Dave Beck and Nancy Guppy. A birthday party celebration will follow in the Lobby. Please reserve your free concert seats here.

In 2024-25, the Ben Faigin Music Opportunity Fund provided funds for 98 teen musicians to join chamber groups, youth symphonies, and string academies. In addition, our funds enabled 200 children from Seattle South End schools to meet professional musicians and go to their first live concert at Benaroya Hall.

We believe that music is more than an art form - it is a lifeline. Music builds community, teaches collaboration and empathy, and gives young people a creative voice. For youth musicians, music fosters discipline, resilience, and confidence. The ability to create and experience music is a powerful force that shapes lives in ways that extend far beyond the concert hall.

We are living in distressing times. The very opportunities that give under-represented youth a chance to thrive - arts funding, DEI programs, accessible education--are being stripped away. The need is greater than ever. We appreciate your gift of any size. Every dollar we receive will be directed to music opportunities for deserving youths.

THANK YOU friends and family - we reached our BlG GOAL! We have funded our grants to 6 exceptional youth music programs in the NW region making a difference in the lives of over 100 low-income students.

The Ben Faigin Music Opportunity Fund was established to honor Ben Faigin, a young classical cellist who left us too soon. For the past three years, Ben's Fund has underwritten formal music education for over 150 deserving teens.

Here is what some of our Tacoma Youth Symphony scholarship students have to say:

Sua, age 12, violin

“…The financial burden can be overwhelming at times. However, this (scholarship) provided great opportunities and has lifted a significant weight off of my shoulders allowing me to focus on my musical skills and future aspirations without worrying about the financial aspect.”

Alan, age 16, viola

“I can’t express how much this means to me in words. I can only say thanks! I hope your contribution can help me go far in my playing career.”

Richie, age 17, violin

“This scholarship will benefit me and my family in so many ways. My family won’t have to worry about covering costs for this year anymore, which will help a lot since they’re struggling to make ends meet…I will do my best to work hard to become the best violinist I can be.”

JaKobe, age 12, bass

“Unfortunately, my family does not have the financial resources to allow me to participate fully in musical programs offered to enhance my skills…I truly appreciate the award! I’m looking forward to becoming a better musician, learning new skills, meeting other musicians, and building friendships!”

Zim, age 17, violin

“As a Mexican American, my family are sports people. I am the first in my family to want to pursue music and being from a low-income family makes it tough. This scholarship would mean a lot to me as it would remove a financial barrier, helping me go further in my music by allowing me to take lessons.”

Lyllian, age 15, violin

“The first benefit of this scholarship is less worries for my family, and they can have a better focus since our family is so busy.”

On Sunday evening May 1, BEN MUSIC FEST  celebrated the birthday of our beloved son, Ben, and the joy that music can bring to all of our lives. The block party + benefit, filled with loving friends, wonderful live music and delicious home-cooked birthday cakes, raised funds for the Ben Faigin Music Opportunity Fund which supports learning and performing opportunities for young musicians in our community.

We are grateful to announce that BEN MUSIC FEST exceeded  our gofundme goal of $10,000! We thank our matching donors, the Dore Family Foundation and Anne Steele for their major investment in this campaign, and to the 100+ friends and family members who  also made generous donations. To date, the matching funds, gofundme donations, personal checks and cash to BEN MUSIC FEST have topped $28,000! This is an amazing tribute to the love and generosity of many.

This campaign is still active. You are invited to make your own gift to support:

     • Need-based scholarships for teens from underrepresented communities to participate in the Seattle and Tacoma Youth Orchestras, and the Seattle Conservatory of Music.
 
     •The Ben Faigin Young Artist Award for a talented teen to perform with NW Sinfonietta.
 
     • Operating support to Seattle JazzED offering music classes n low-income Seattle schools and Music NW hosting youth chamber music camps.

 

Music was central to Ben’s life. Through Ben’s music fund, we share his love of music-making with talented teens, like trombonist Sabien whose mother wrote, “Your generosity will allow him to have opportunities I would not otherwise be able to afford.”

 

Music touches our souls and our hearts. By supporting the training of young musicians like Sabien, Yifei and Johlesa, you are making dreams possible and keeping Ben’s memory alive through the magic of music-making. Thank you.