Hello, my name is Krystal and I’m the mother to 4 amazing young men.

My oldest son is nearly 16 years of age and has been playing instruments since he was 5 years old. He has such an ear for music, theory and the ability to read it.

He was bullied in school growing up and when he got to middle school, it started to fade as he took beginning band class with our own Mrs. Jmaeff. Truth be told I thought I would hear toots and squawks but honestly, he was born with this ability.

Something in him was set off when he saw another young man with the same story: Avery Dixon. He too was bullied but then there was sax! He said to me: “Mom, one day I’ll be like him and I’ll be on stage too”.

His middle school years would serve as a testament of his persistence and ability as he received Student of the Year twice, joined the extracurricular jazz band, went to his first All-State event (mind you, he auditions with hundreds of other students at the chance to be one of 150 students selected), he went on to secure All-State two additional years into his high school musical career and is part of the honor band, as well as the pep band.

In addition to all of this, he serves at the Sutherlin Family Church Alive Ministry on the worship team rocking the keyboard. He has also been a part of the Douglas County Youth Orchestra where he received a scholarship based on music ability and low family income. He blossomed from prelude and intermediate violin I to concert level, closely to their philharmonic level which is their highest point.

Just last summer he was approached by Music Off Central staff and was privately asked if he would perform a solo with a band who was scheduled to perform and it was none other than Yachty By Nature! Following his performance, he was featured on the high school music page and was getting traction on social media.

Today, Aaron has the opportunity of a lifetime to join the Oregon Ambassadors of Music. He has been nominated to play saxophone and as such, would play various stages across Europe in 15 days this summer!

Please help send our favorite sax player abroad.