Tuesday night Austin’s performing arts community came together to rally behind the Austin High School Orchestra and their director whose son and husband were injured in a flash fire.
It happened during last month’s Monster Concert and Carnival fundraiser.
Tuesday’s performance was special, Austin High School Orchestra alumni and current students coming together to play.
“With music, like all art, it’s very hard and takes a lot of courage. And to have that community support you.” Orchestra Senior and President Julian Felix said. “We’ve had people travel from San Antonio, Central Texas and all over the Pacific Northwest just to be here.”
The benefit concert and silent auction was hosted by the orchestra’s booster club Tuesday to recoup losses after its biggest annual fundraiser was interrupted by a flash fire three weeks ago.
“You hear about these kinds of things happening, but to be a part of it and to see a community really rally around a program a director and her family, and the other family that was hurt, it’s been really amazing.” Joy Lobb, AHS Orchestra Booster President, said.
In the fire, the orchestra director Ana Solis-Herrera’s husband and son were badly injured. A third person was also injured but has since been released from the hospital.
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“It’s absolutely an extremely special occasion,” Solis-Herrera said. “Celebrating the orchestra community and overcoming adversity together.”
Solis-Herrera attended the benefit concert and says the support since the accident has meant the world. A GoFundMe account set up for her family has raised more than $100,000.
“Everybody in the orchestra, fine arts teachers, faculty, high school principal – it’s been an incredible support that was, like, unexpected, but right now it’s really welcome.” Solis-Herrera said.
Her son is expected to be okay, but her husband remains in the I-C-U.
“This is going to be a really long process. So I know that all of that support is going to be needed in the long run.” Solis-Herrera said.
Her orchestra doesn’t want her to give up.
“Mrs. Solis is unique in that she forms extremely close bonds with people,” Felix said. “She doesn’t just teach them how to play an instrument.”
And neither will they.
“We’ve taken the initiative to support our own selves and keep our program alive, even when she’s not able to be there.” Felix said.