RISE PHOENIX LA
Supplying LA Classrooms with Musical Instruments
A recovery effort based in Los Angeles, California.
Our vision is to bring music to schools whose musical instruments were destroyed in the LA fires, creating spaces where children can heal from losing their homes and providing community through music making.
“From the ashes, a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring…”
— J.R.R. Tolkien
Our Cause
When wildfires destroyed homes, schools, and music programs in the Malibu, Palisades, and Eaton fires, many students lost everything.
As they recover from the loss of their homes, schools, instruments, and sense of security, they have been relocated to safer campuses to continue their education.
While these schools are welcoming them with care, they don’t have the instruments needed for students to take part in music classes.
That’s where we have already stepped in. Music is essential for healing, and the time to help is now.
About the Founder
Simon Kirjner, 16, is an 11th grader at The Harker School in California, where he excels in violin, viola, and voice. Simon began playing the violin at age 3, and now studies violin and viola under the guidance of Elizabeth Faidley and voice with Alison Collins and Amelia DeMayo.
He has performed at esteemed venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall. He earned numerous accolades, including first place at the New York Artists International Competition, a silver medal at the Canadian International Music Competition, and another silver medal at the American Protégé Competition.
In addition to his musical accomplishments, Simon has showcased his talents in theatrical productions, including Guys and Dolls, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Wedding Singer, and Working. He performed with the Ragazzi Boys Chorus at the Sydney Opera House. Outside rehearsals and practice sessions, Simon enjoys playing video games, participating in Dungeons & Dragons, and creating musical arrangements.
