Surrey/White Rock

Surrey and White Rock, neighboring cities in Metro Vancouver, offer a mix of suburban comfort and scenic coastal living. Surrey boasts parks, cultural centres, and rapid urban development, while White Rock charms with its beachfront promenade, pier, and artistic vibe.

Nico Huang

District Director

Hello everyone! I’m Nico. I am a grade 10 student living in White Rock, BC. I am working on my associate diploma (ARCT) on piano and I also play other instruments such as guitar, alto saxophone, bass clarinet. My passion for music has grown exponentially in the past few years into something that I can’t imagine living without. I am currently playing piano for our school jazz band and our combo, bass clarinet for school concert band, and also singing tenor in our school jazz choir. I joined the Chords of Care to spread the joy of music through community events. Being a part of Chords of Care really changed my life connecting with more talented musicians and learning to take on leadership roles. Outside of music, I am a fun swim coach. I really love teaching because it’s something that makes my life meaningful, passing on lifesaving skills to others. I also love dashing through the trees on my skis with my friends during winter. I also have a YouTube channel. Just type in “Nico Huang” on Youtube to find some entertaining music content!

Elaine Li

Vice District Director

Hello! My name is Elaine Li, and I’m a Grade 10 student from Surrey, BC, Canada. My musical journey began at age six when I started learning piano, completing several levels by the time I was eight. After that, I joined a junior youth chorus and later picked up the alto saxophone, which I’ve been playing for four years through my high school program. Currently, I perform in a jazz combo with my best friends, and we love performing together at school events and festivals. I joined Chords of Care because I believe sharing music with seniors, especially through free performances, is truly meaningful and beautiful. I also hope to help our branch grow by connecting with local communities I’m familiar with. Through COC, I’m excited to connect with others who share the same passion for music and giving back. Together, we can make a real difference, one song at a time.

Ruby Cai

Forms Design Director

Hello! I’m currently in grade 8 and I live in Surrey, BC. My musical journey began at the age of 3 when my mom introduced me to the piano, and from there on, I quickly developed a deep passion for it. By grade 2, I decided to take it more seriously, and now I’m at level 10, with plans to complete my exam and move on to the ARCT. I’ve attended numerous piano concerts, including international ones, which have greatly inspired my musical growth. I also play the Alto Saxophone and Clarinet in my school’s jazz and concert band.

Music provides me with a sense of calm and offers a way of expressing my emotions. This experience has allowed me to further expand my musical abilities and explore different genres. I became involved with Chords of Care because I believe it’s a meaningful way to deepen my appreciation for music, while contributing and giving back to the community. Outside of music, I enjoy rock climbing, drawing, and taking walks along the beach as well as hanging out with my friends. Through Chords of Care, I hope I can meet new people, create a better community for us, and show appreciation for music to our senior homes!

Ashley Yuan

Arts/Design Co-Director

Hi! My name is Ashley Yuan (or Ash) and I'm an Arts and Design director for the Chords of Care Surrey/White Rock branch. I began music a little later than most - at 9 years old, and started playing piano. I've had a rough journey, going from hating music to wanting to pursue it but not being able to catch up. Somehow, when I was 13, I had a revelation, and began composing and playing alto saxophone! I joined Chords of Care because I've always wanted to utilize my musical abilities to spread joy, and COC aligned with that. It's my dream for people to be inspired by my music. Outside of playing and composing, you can find me editing videos, making Instagram promo posts (for my school's student council), or binge-watching shows! I look forward to watching everyone grow as both musicians and people.

Sophia Segismundo

Arts/Design Co-Director

Yo! My name is Sophia Segismundo, and I’m one of the Arts and Designs Directors for Chords of Care Surrey/White Rock. I’ve been passionate about music for as long as I’ve been alive (16 years now!). I got into playing bass guitar/ double bass for about 4 years now, though, I do play the Ukelele and a bit of Ocarina every now and then when I get the time to practice them! I don’t have a specific favourite genre of music to listen to, but enjoy a bit of everything. Music hasn’t been my only passion, as I’m also a sport-driven person. it’s been about 4.5 years of ultimate frisbee, and I currently play on my high school team, as well as being an assistant coach at my elementary school. I’ve played on Vortex, a nationals club team, and made a bunch of good memories with my team. Schedule is tough, but I’ll always have time for both. Aside from those, I enjoy being outside, working out, eating, and being around animals. I’m excited to be part of Chords of Care, since I’ll be able to return the favour of sharing the joy of music to others in the community people in my life showed me. I believe that music can and should be enjoyed by all, there will always be at least one form, or type of music that will resonate with each and every one of us.

Richard Gu

Arts/Design Co-Director

Hi, I am Richard Gu, a sophomore jazz tenor saxophonist at semiahmoo secondary and I also play trumpet and soprano. I joined chords of care to put my Skills in art to good use and to convey The meaning of music through this organization.

Lucas Yan

Human Resources Co-Director

Hi, my name is Lucas Yan, and I’m a grade 11 student from Semiahmoo Secondary. I began playing trombone in grade 3, and started seriously playing jazz in grade 8. Since then, jazz has become one of the most important parts of my life. I’ve been fortunate to win the Outstanding Trombonist award at the Surrey Jazz Festival, perform in honour bands, and played with the VSO Student Jazz Band. I’ve also played in various professional gigs, been part of many jazz combos, and currently lead a combo of my own. Outside of music, I’m very passionate about sports, especially soccer — which is also a very important part of my life. I wanted to join Chords of Care because I believe in using music to bring joy and connection to others. Playing for people and alongside other passionate musicians is something I find deeply fulfilling, and I’m excited to share my love for jazz through meaningful service.

Bruce Yu

Human Resources Co-Director

Hi, my name is Bruce Yu, I am a grade 11 student from Langley Christian School. I first experienced playing music taking piano lessons when I was 6, but never took it seriously until grade 9. From that point on, music has become one of my biggest passions in life, and God enabled me to find the most joy in it no matter my circumstances. My main instrument is piano. I have won multiple first prizes in White Rock & Surrey music festival, first prize in Steinway piano competition, performed in the youth Chopin society, also completed ARCT. Aside from classical, I enjoy playing jazz at bands in my school and outside of school as well. Outside of music, I love playing basketball, golf and soccer on school teams. I wanted to be a part of Chords of Care because I saw the opportunities where I can play for, and with other talented musicians. Also, playing music to bring joy to people and engaging in acts of service is something I thoroughly enjoy and believe in.

Kenny Zhao

Director of Photography

Hi! My name is Kenny. I am a grade 11 student living in White Rock, BC. I have always loved music and playing the drums, where I cannot remember a time where I did not play music. I have had the opportunity of playing with numerous talented musicians from Semiahmoo Secondary School, and that has allowed me to understand music more than anything else. Apart from drumming, I am a serial cortisol addict, doing almost nothing else but studying and playing games. I joined the Chords of Care because I love its concept, where I can both perform and enable others to perform; hopefully, to also allow them to reach the same levels of satisfaction that I feel when I play the drums. (Nothing like the whole band reading each others’ minds!)

Andy Ngo

Director of Forms

My name is Andy Ngo. I was first introduced to music at the age of 6 through the piano. My main instrument is the guitar, specifically jazz guitar. I really enjoy playing and also listening to jazz. Besides guitar I also have my own rock band and I play euphonium for my school’s concert band and my own trio called “The Hot Club trio of Semi” inspired by la quintet Hot Club du France of the late Django Reinhardt. Outside of music I’m also a competitive kickboxer and a Volleyball player. I was introduced to the Chords of Care through one of my friends. I was compelled to join in the fun as it means I could perform music I love and also do my part of giving back to the community and also spread happiness through jazz. Now as an executive member I can help heighten this wonderful organization to new height.

Brian Zhang

Director of Finance

Hi! My name is Brian Zhang. I’m currently in Grade 10 at Semiahmoo Secondary School. I’ve been playing percussion and drums for 11 years, and it’s become an integral part of my life. I’ve participated in multiple festivals and performances, and I was fortunate enough to win the best junior drummer award at the Surrey Jazz Festival. I joined The Chords of Care because I’m passionate about performing and learning from talented musicians. I also believe that music has the power to connect people and spread joy.