Summer Groovin' with OliveCrest

by Chiara Del Rio-Ascolese

September 25, 2024

Our volunteers (Left to right: Morgan Barlow, Mira Kelly Villa, Chiara Del Rio-Ascolese, Angelina Sun, Andrew Yan, Elijah Mei, Vivian Huang, and Caleb Tsai) successfully wrap up camp by finishing the ukulele project.

This summer, from July 31 to August 1, 2024, Fiato Foundation returned to OliveCrest LA’s Summer Wellness Camp, located in Bellflower, CA. All volunteers (Caleb Tsai, Andrew Yan, Elijah Mei, Chiara Del Rio-Ascolese, Mira Kelly Villa, Morgan Barlow, Jack Cuzzocrea, Angelina Sun, Bryce Kurashige, and Vivian Huang) brought their positive attitudes and skills in music, engaging with OCLA’s young campers through a range of activities, going forth with an objective to inspire them to explore music both as an enjoyable pastime and as a tool for mental well-being.

Jack Cuzzocrea jams out with some students!

Volunteers Caleb, Andrew, Elijah, Jack, Chiara, and Vivian all facilitated music lessons in guitar, violin, piano, and ukulele. Rocking on to songs like “London Bridge" and “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”, students not only learned technical skills for performance, but developed enthusiasm for the instruments.

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Caleb and student Bridget, playing a rendition of "Mary Had a Little Lamb".

Fiato had the opportunity to sponsor three students. Twin brothers Alex and Ethan received two guitars for them to continue their pursuit of music. In addition, Fiato was able to give student Bridget a full sized violin to continue learning and playing for the many years to come.

The group exemplifies the impact Fiato has on the South Bay community, and the importance of music in their heart.

Fiato presents aspiring musicians Ethan and Alex with two guitars!

When not in the music lesson rotation, the children would join volunteers Mira, Morgan, Chiara, Angelina, Vivian, and Bryce in fun games and activities like Musical Chairs and Bingo (featuring musical instrument vocabulary),

allowing them to make unique connections with music and form new friendships. In addition to the assortment of games, there were interactive crafts. Each child got the opportunity to make their own ukulele, painting custom designs and building it (with some help from Fiato volunteers). When camp came to a close, each was able to bring it home to continue their musical journey and remember the summer experience. 

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A celebration of a successful Summer Wellness Camp.

The three days spent with the children at OliveCrest LA allowed Fiato Foundation to deepen a passion for music among both the campers and volunteers. As our volunteers provided music lessons and engaging activities, the children experienced various aspects of music and its benefits, leaving a lasting impact on them despite the short, fast-paced time we shared with them. Fiato continues to promote mental wellness through music as we collaborate with organizations like OliveCrest, making change one day at a time.