From Drumbeats to Strings, Letting Love Soar Through Music

StarWish’s “Seven Young Drumming Heroes” Take the Stage at Halloween Rhythm Festival as SWIF and RAYA Expand Inclusive Music Programs

LAPost/Irvine, Ca (October 25, 2026) – On October 25, 2026, the 2026 Nine Beats Halloween Rhythm Festival took place at the Bonita Center for the Arts in Southern California. Performing “Believer,” StarWish’s “Seven Young Drumming Heroes” showcased their progress from learning on individual drums to playing full drum kits together as an ensemble. Their performance also highlighted the results of an inclusive music education partnership between StarWish International Foundation (SWIF) and RAYA Art & Education.

From practicing individually to performing as a group of seven, the young musicians have learned more than rhythm and technique. They have also learned to listen to one another, work together, and face challenges as a team. Behind every drumbeat are hours of practice and the ongoing support of teachers, volunteers, and parents.

The performance continued RAYA’s collaboration with Nine Beats Drum Academy. Following their partnership for the inaugural International Drummers Festival on August 31, 2025, the two organizations once again created opportunities for children with different abilities and learning needs to share the stage. Through these experiences, music becomes a bridge to confidence, friendship, and community participation.

From Percussion to Strings: Bringing Children Together Through Music

Percussion is one of the key inclusive music programs developed jointly by SWIF and RAYA. At the same time, the organizations continue to develop the StarWish Philharmonic String Ensemble, connecting the musical talents of youth volunteers with the learning needs of individuals with special needs.

Since April 2026, under the leadership of Prince Wang, chair of SWIF’s music division, talented high school volunteers—including Julia Coletti, Dora Li, and Ray Gu—have helped provide free community music classes for children who need additional support.

While pursuing their own academic and musical goals, these young volunteers also use their skills to serve others. From demonstrating musical passages and introducing instruments to supporting practice and ensemble rehearsals, they adapt their approach to each student’s understanding and comfort level, making music more accessible and participation more achievable.

Held every Sunday, the free introductory music classes welcome participants ranging from children as young as four to adult students over 18. Participants of different ages and abilities explore rhythm and melody while enjoying the companionship of their peers. Everyone can learn at their own pace and take part in a shared musical experience in a way that works for them.

For the volunteers, the classes are also an opportunity to grow. They develop patience through supporting others, gain a deeper understanding of differences through collaboration, and learn responsibility through teaching and rehearsals. Music connects service with personal growth, giving everyone involved something meaningful to take away.

From Weekly Classes to Community Stages: Sharing Students’ Progress

The learning and collaboration taking place in these classes will soon reach more community stages.

On December 8, the SWIF and RAYA string ensemble will perform at the Nixon Presidential Library’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, bringing their classroom experience to a festive setting and sharing the joy of music with the community.

The ensemble also plans to perform at a Lunar New Year gala at the Nixon Presidential Library alongside a special guest master musician whose identity will be revealed at a later date. Bringing professional artists, youth volunteers, and students with special needs together onstage will create new learning opportunities while introducing more people to the possibilities of inclusive arts.

From drum ensembles to string performances, and from weekly community classes to seasonal celebrations, SWIF and RAYA aim to provide ongoing opportunities to learn and perform. Each stage appearance is supported by consistent encouragement and practice, giving every participant’s efforts a chance to be recognized.

Bringing Young Volunteers Together for Lasting Support

Founded by Joanne Chen, StarWish International Foundation works alongside RAYA Art & Education, whose team includes music and art teachers with backgrounds in special education. Together, they support arts and cultural service initiatives, youth leadership development, and volunteerism, with a focus on community participation for individuals with special needs and their families.

Through art, music, and a range of community service programs, SWIF seeks to connect professional expertise, youth volunteers, and families’ needs—turning understanding and support into sustained action.

The “Seven Young Drumming Heroes” and the StarWish Philharmonic String Ensemble bring this vision to life. Young participants develop their interests and build confidence through music. Youth volunteers contribute their talents and take on responsibility through service. Families find support and connection through shared participation.

SWIF invites young volunteers with skills in music, art, sports, technology, and other fields to get involved. The foundation also welcomes professionals, partner organizations, and community supporters. Over time, SWIF hopes to connect resources across more regions, creating opportunities worldwide for children, teenagers, and adults with special needs of varying ages and support needs, as well as their families.

Let music help us grow together, and let love soar through every note. Beginning with one class, one practice session, or one ensemble performance, we can help more people find companionship—and a stage of their own.

For information about community programs, volunteer opportunities, and partnerships, please visit: www.starwishif.org