Andrew Chong Illinois spent most of his childhood in the U.S. before having to move to Shanghai with this family. In China, Andrew picked up many of his favorite hobbies like cello and tennis, which he still cherishes years later.

When he moved to the Bay area, Andrew decided to expand on his interest in music by serving at AMASE (Academy of Arts and Music for Special Education). At the time, Andrew Chong Illinois was already involved in humanitarian work and volunteered in various NGOs to lend assistance whenever possible, which is why he chose AMASE instead of a regular academy.

This was a non-profit organization whose aim was to provide support for children and those with special needs. Here, Andrew Chong Illinois taught cello to teenagers and was there to counsel them and help with their public performances. The organization worked both with children as young as three, as well as teens in their early twenties, and Andrew Chong Illinois made strong, lasting relationships with most of his students.

Being able to help someone in need is a profound feeling, and it motivated Andrew Chong Illinois to delve deeper into humanitarian work later in life. He then went on to participate in many musical events and won multiple awards.

Among the awards were the scholarship from Hye-Reong Kim Memorial Foundation for his previous community service and excellence and also the Missy Belton Scholarship from The King’s Academy for the most outstanding musician of his class.

Andrew Chong Illinois later attended The King’s Academy, which turned out the be the perfect choice as the school held annual humanitarian tours to Mexico to assist the struggling communities.