Help Replace Jurang & Colleen's Stolen Instruments

We, JuRang Kim, DMA Violin Performance, 2nd year at University of Kentucky and Colleen Scott, BM Oboe Performance, junior at University of Kentucky, lost our beloved instruments from our locked lockers in the University of Kentucky Fine Arts Building in Lexington, KY.

Our Story: On May 12th, 2021, when JuRang went to practice at school she found her lock was gone from her locked locker. Her violin case containing her violin, three bows and many other related supplies had disappeared. She instantly went to the office and was directed to file a police report. Colleen faced the same fate- no lock, no oboe, and no reed-making equipment. Needless to say, both were devastated. Since then, they have been tirelessly trying to find their instruments, but there were no security cameras in the building, hence the police have found nothing in their search. However, Colleen shared her story and received support from many friends and oboists in the world. JuRang has also found comfort in the generous encouragements from her faith, and friends in many communities.

Please help us: Instruments are not only the voices we use to communicate messages with the world, but they are also huge financial investments. As college and graduate students, we ask for your help in financing the purchase of our new instruments as we recreate our voices. JuRang's new violin, bow, case, rosin and other related supplies, as well as the deductible for Colleen's new oboe and reed-making supplies will cost at least $35,000. They are both still searching for the specific instruments but will keep donors updated in this process.

JuRang's Violin Story: This beautiful Violin was gifted to me from my parents when they were serving as missionaries in Mongolia. My Professor at that time highly recommended the great chance of investing in this special violin. When my parents decided to buy this violin for me with their tight budget, they asked me to promise that I would play and practice on this violin with joy, and would share the joy with people around the world. It was so easy to say yes, and this violin quickly became my best friend. I used to call it ‘Olini’ from the word violin. My Olini supported me by being on all the stages physically with me, whenever I go through performances, or auditions. It also accomplished many things with me, such as various auditions, solo recitals, and many other different performances in more than five countries. I was able to come all the way to my Doctoral degree with my Olini. We also did not ignore small stages if we could share our music there. We played for senior homes, small churches, even for kindergarteners. We had so many good times sharing joy through our sound together. I hope that I can continue to spread love with my new violin through your support.

Colleen's Oboe Story: My oboe represents my growth throughout my degree program. With the help of my Professor, I decided to purchase a new oboe right before my freshman year started. I narrowed the search down to two and took them home, and it was eventually clear that this oboe was my perfect match. My college journey has been full of ups and downs but my oboe has always been there for me. Together we’ve had tough lessons, played at Carnegie Hall, and almost survived the pandemic. The three years of my undergraduate so far have been spent with this beloved instrument, helping me find my voice and confidence as a musician. The person who stole my oboe also stole my reeds. Physical evidence of my progress and hard work this year- gone. It breaks my heart that I will never be able to see how my reeds have changed but all I can do is try to move forward. With the help from donors on GoFundMe, I hope to acquire the equipment to start making reeds again which will allow me to have reeds to test out new oboes.

Gratitude: We are very grateful to have been supported by so many kind people around the world in sharing our story, condolences, and many other ways. We cannot thank you enough for considering donating to help us move forward as we grieve this loss. As a token of our appreciation, we attached links below of our individual performance videos, which we played on our respective instruments before we lost them. When we buy our ‘new’ instruments through this fundraising, we look forward to recording a duet together, and will share that with you. Again, we truly appreciate your support in this unforgettable journey.

JuRang’s performance youtube link:

https://youtu.be/Q2cMccKEShM (Schubert Grand Duo iii, Andantino)

Colleen’s performance youtube link:

https://youtu.be/q46fEeXH3mk (J. W. Kalliwoda Morceau de Salon)