AUSTIN, Texas — The inaugural class of the Draylen Mason Fellows Program (DMFP) showcased their musical talents and original work at a performance on Thursday.
The four fellows – violinists Sarah Chu, 14; Angie Ferguson, 15; and Cristal Martinez, 15; and 18-year-old horn player Barbara Reyes – performed for a crowd at Creative Action.
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The DMFP is an initiative of The Hispanic Alliance that was created in memory of Mason, who played string bass for six years in Austin Soundwaves, a program of The Hispanic Alliance that provides access to music education across 12 schools in Central Texas.
Austin Soundwaves also administers DMFP and aims to further the development of musicians like Chu, Ferguson, Martinez and Reyes. Fellows receive up to $1,000 during the course of the program to offset costs met in their pursuit of music.
The four fellows worked to create a capstone performance project that uses music as a means to address pressing social justice issues meaningful to the group.
"I really do think this program has helped me grow in ways I didn't expect," Martinez said. "Music still finds a way to bring us together."
Mason was a victim of the Austin bomber.
To make a donation to the DMFP, click here.
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