For many years, Ka Sin Lau, a 24-year-old who came across Aim High on Instagram and joined its youth choir, the Lunar Antz, in November 2020, struggled with finding a clear path in her journey. Growing up, Lau had a natural talent for singing and playing the piano. Though she describes herself as “extremely introverted”, she felt she could express herself freely through music. With the loss of her father, which happened when she was 19, she could no longer afford music lessons. Feelings of uncertainty followed, and the budding musician also dropped out of school over an extended period to focus on her mental health.

At Aim High, she discovered a community of coaches and youth faced with the same coming-of-age dilemma: pursuing their dream in music or conforming to the city’s tireless, profit-chasing culture. “I found this group, and it helps a lot that I don’t need to pay any fees. I got a place to sing, I got some friends, I got a wonderful teacher, I’m very grateful that this new thing just inserted into my life.”

Like Lau, many who come to the charity also face issues with their mental health, family situations or learning disabilities, and though the coaches mainly focus on music, they would also hold classes on self-development and host external advisers, from music therapists to youth counsellors to come help. When discussing the founders’ drive, Laudon says: “For me, it’s just seeing their [the members’] growth as people. That’s just the best part about it all—someone who’s found a way in their life.”

Aim High believes in finding and nurturing music talent, wherever it may be, so it is important for the founders to foster an inclusive environment—one in which youths are encouraged to find themselves in their music, slowly allow their musical personalities to surface and shape their singing voices. “When [a student] started singing, the audience was like, ‘wow, she can really sing,’ and I was really excited,” says Luk of one of his performances where he invited a choir member to sing. “It was a cool moment that told me that this is what we should keep doing.”

Saareeka Rai, who joined the Lunar Antz three years ago, credits being exposed to soul music at the choir to helping her find her voice. “When you sing soul music, you have to sing honestly and rise above the difficulties in your life. [Original soul singers] always seemed so cheerful and energetic because that community has suffered so much—that’s why they are trying their best to bring out their positivity in their music. The way they see music has affected how I approach and understand others.” Half-joking, Lau  adds that “if you are not honest when you sing [with the Lunar Antz], you’ll be discovered, and you can’t hide from it.”

And for these performers, drawing feelings out when performing is not only liberating, it also takes singing to the next level. As Rai says, “At first, we thought of singing as a skill—something we have to be 100 per cent perfect about. Now, instead, we are focusing more on delivering what we feel.”

The community has helped over 50 youths since its inception. Currently, more than 20 youths perform in the choir; keeping numbers low has helped the organisation focus on each person. With its fundraising concert, Aim High is hoping to attract the attention of a few big name donors and grow as an initiative: “It’s really to take us to the next level where this organisation can become a lot more self-sustainable,” says Luk.

Uncertainties about the future still daunt Lau and Rai, but they seem to be approaching this with more confidence. The dilemma isn’t necessarily to choose music over a stable career, as both can co-exist; but one thing’s for sure: both members, along with the others in the choir, have found a stable community of friends and mentors at Aim High and intend to continue singing their feelings out. “In this space, you can really meet all kinds of people, from different backgrounds or different ages; it’s so diversified here,” says Rai. “That’s valuable experience not only for singing, but also to get to know new people; that’s why it’s also meaningful for me to come here.”

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