There was a young man who had a passion for music at a very young age. When he had the opportunity in the 5th grade to learn an instrument, he picked up the trumpet. Moved by such passion for music, a friend of his mom's was willing to give up his old trumpet that he used throughout school growing up. The young man then went on to the 6th grade and had a music teacher that pushed his passion for music beyond what he knew. The music teacher's name was Mr. Hinkson.

The young man found himself practicing and playing constantly. He went on to play lead in high school concerts and jazz bands. Music continued to influence him through and after high school and college, and his adult life.

“The story of the young man represents not only me but so many aspiring musicians. I would love nothing more than to pass on the gift that was given to me. Young kids at this age need to be inspired to continue to play and build their passion for music. I can only hope as part of this foundation, with all the great people a part of it, we can achieve just that.”

The young man was Jared Romine. A former student of Mr. Hinkson, Jared cultivated his passion for music his whole life. It was not uncommon to find him composing melodies at a piano or with a guitar in his hand, or playing his original school trumpet after dinner! Jared would always be reminiscent of the great impact that both his mom's friend and Mr. Hinkson had when he was a young kid with a passion for music. In 2012, when he and Valeria got married, they decided to give back and start the Hinkson Music Foundation, which continued giving awards to the most talented and passionate students in the Temecula Middle School band for the following decade. This would not have been possible without the help of the school (especially Mr. Hinkson and the current band director Ivan Aviles) and all the donations we received, including the numerous collaborations with Arrowbear Music Camp, the Stanford Jazz Workshop, Interlochen, and the local music teachers offering their time for private lessons.

We believe that the Hinkson Music Foundation can further evolve into an organization that serves to inspire young passionate and dedicated musicians. Any donation, big or small, makes a big difference for us but most importantly it will make a difference for this year's talented student who will be the 14th recipient of the Hinkson Music Foundation's 2025 Award.

All proceeds from the donations will go towards gifting either instrument parts, private classes, or workshops awarded to this year's recipient. We thank you all for your donations and look forward to seeing you at the Temecula Middle School Spring Concert featuring the Symphonic Band, when the recipient's name will be announced.

Thank you!

Valeria Romine

for the Hinkson Music Foundation