our mission

groovecraft© is on a mission to give all musicians the ability to play music to their fullest capabilities. our organization has created a community that allows musicians to receive necessary instruments and lessons for them not only to improve on their instruments but also to improve their lives.

our vision

currently, thousands of musicians across the world are limited due to their financial situation and as a result are unable to improve and do what they love. here at groovecraft©, we are trying to move to a world where all musicians can do what they enjoy, create music.

about us

our team

Daniel Bain, Clarinet

Co-Founder

Daniel's musical journey began at age 10 when he started learning the clarinet in middle school with the school's honors orchestra. Attending DeBakey High School, Daniel participates in the full orchestra program directed by Jordan Stewart. He studies under the guidance of Chester Rowell. He has completed his first year at HYS (Houston Youth Symphony) and is currently enrolled, planning to continue next year. In the High School UIL Solo and Ensemble competition, Daniel achieved rank 1 and advanced to the state level. Additionally, Daniel participated in and won the 2023 AFA Concerto Competition, becoming the 26th grand prize winner, and performed with the AFA Symphony Orchestra. Furthermore, Daniel has been a finalist in the Juanita Miller Concerto Competition.

Ares Zhou, Clarinet

Co-Founder

Ares Zhou started pursuing music at the age of 6 on the piano, but that changed in middle school, as the clarinet became his instrument of choice. Currently attending Glenda Dawson High School as a sophomore and studying under Christian Schubert, he has placed within the high school region band and progressed to the area-level competition and this year, the TMEA All-state convention in the concert band. Other accomplishments include being a member of the Houston Youth Symphony and participating in the 2023 AFA summer music festival.

Efran Zhao, Violin

Lead Officer

Efran is currently a sophomore at Dawson High School in Pearland, Texas. He started playing the violin at the age of 5, and has received many awards and accomplishments. He has participated in youth orchestras since 1st grade and performed as concertmaster multiple times. He has consistently placed first in his TMEA All-Region auditions every year since 6th grade. In 2022, he became the youngest-ever winner of the AFA Concerto Competition. He has made TMEA All-State for 2 years in a row, placing Symphony Orchestra 1st Violin both times, and has even performed at Carnegie Hall in New York as concertmaster. Driven by his love for music, he hopes to inspire the next generation of instrumentalists in his community.

Benedict Le, Violin

Applications Officer

Benedict Le is a sophomore attending Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions. He found his love for music with the violin at the age of 11 and never stopped since. Throughout middle school and high school, he has participated in TMEA All-Region and performs for UIL Solo and Ensemble. In his spare time, Benedict actively enjoys listening to the world of classical music and bench presses chemistry textbooks in his spare time

Devin Saljuud, Oboe

Lessons Officer

Devin Saljuud started his musical journey at the age of 5, learning the piano. At the age of 11, Devin joined his middle school band and unlocked a new door to his life. Currently attending Dawson High School as a sophomore, Devin is part of his school's Wind Ensemble which is their top band. He studies under Katie Hart, who has played in numerous professional orchestras across the country. Devin is a returning member of the Houston Youth Symphony (HYS) and is currently the principal oboist. Devin is also a 2x TMEA All-State musician and has just recently been placed in the Symphony Orchestra as the 3rd chair.

Matthew Lu, Violin

Lessons Officer

Matthew is a sophomore attending Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions. He first began learning the piano and violin at the age of 7. Since then, he joined the school orchestra and competed in several piano competitions. At the beginning of middle school, Matthew shifted to playing the violin competitively, qualifying for TMEA All-Region each year and participating in UIL Solo and Ensemble. Besides playing the violin, Matthew also enjoys practicing the piano leisurely and producing music on FL Studio and GarageBand.

Aaron Joseph, Cello

Lessons Officer

Aaron Joseph, a sophomore at Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions, began his musical journey at the age of 3, delving into the piano and later casually exploring various instruments such as the guitar, bass, and drums. Since the 6th grade, he has been an integral part of the school orchestra, with a primary focus on the cello, competing at numerous TMEA All-Region and UIL state events. Notably, he contributed to the success of his orchestra representing FBISD in 2022, receiving sweepstakes as a part of the Honors Orchestra during that time. Aaron continues his musical odyssey, playing in the advanced group under the guidance of Mr. Stewart at DeBakey HSHP.