Today we’d like to introduce you to Donald Rabin
Donald, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It all started in second grade when I saw the flute on a shelf at Wal-mart (crazy I know!) and was spiritually called to it! I knew deep in my soul that I needed to play the flute. I was born in Las Vegas, NV, and moved to St. Louis, Missouri, when I was six years old. With my parents background (my mother is from the Philippines and grew up on a rice farm and my Dad is a Vietnam Veteran from St. Louis, MO), they did not know what to do with a flute. So, I waited until sixth grade to begin my journey after asking my Irish Grandmother for her James Galways CD collection! After that, I have been in love with my instrument and couldn’t imagine a life without this special gift.
I never thought I would be a professional musician/artist growing up. I knew music was special, but I grew to learn how special it truly is for our soul and for the Earth. When my grandmother died in 2016 (shortly after my grandfather), a portion of the trust we used to buy my professional flute that I now use to this day. It was devastating when I accidentally left the flute on the L in Chicago as I was meeting a friend and preparing for my Doctoral degree auditions. When I lost my sentimental instrument, I realized how powerful music is in my life. I was desperate and had so much of my future on the line. In an act of determination and desperation, I reached out to the media for help. My livelihood is this precious piece of metal tubing!
After a series of emails and interviews, the story went global. I’ll never forget when CNN Reporter Kelsie Smith published the story and the next morning changed my trajectory of artistry. So many people were helping me find the instrument that is in my soul. I felt and still feel eternally grateful.
In an effort to turn lemons and create lemonade, I knew I needed to thank everyone and most importantly the city of Chicago for finding my instrument. A homeless couple had pawned the instrument to get back on their feet and I felt deep inside that no one should feel like they need to pawn an instrument to get back on their feet. Therefore, I organized a two night benefit concert entitled, “The Uniting America Concert”, that premiered on YouTube Live. We raised over $2k after two nights and I knew that I had been blessed by God/Higher Being. This was a blessing and a purpose to turn music and the arts into something that can help the world.
Before coming to Houston, I lived in Boston, Massachusetts, and felt a calling to audition for the University of Houston Moores School of Music and study with the amazing Aralee Dorough of the Houston Symphony. I knew I needed to come and enjoy the great education at that institution. I took the leap of faith and left Boston to my new life that would make so many unrealized dreams come true. After my three week roadtrip hopping my friends couches (yes, I lived out of my Toyota Corolla Hybrid packed to the brim with my Boston life) and made it to the great state of Texas!
From there, life took so many unexpected turns. I didn’t know that you could be an arts leader and make an impact through both performative and administrative aspects in the arts industry. I want to grow as a performer and the Uniting America Concert which is why I decided to add the Masters in Arts Leadership under Fleurette Fernando after my first semester. Now, I am well on my way to be the first student at the University of Houston to complete a dual degree in Masters in Arts Leadership AND the Doctor in Musical Arts degree.
I’ve been grateful and awfully lucky with my life. But, I have been working my butt off to accomplish my hopes and dreams. As a BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, Neurodivergent, First Generation Artist and student, I know how much barriers can impact your education. Therefore, I need to do more and accomplish more than the average person to make a difference.
My time at UH has blessed me with so many wonderful opportunities. I auditioned and was selected as one of the first Houston Symphony Community-Embedded Musicians alongside two great friends Bernini Chan and Christian Harvey. I performed in multiple venues in the Houston community to represent the impact of arts in health. I was also named Project Manager of the Come Together Houston project and worked with the Center for Performing Arts at Houston Methodist and four local Houston Artists: Outspoken Bean, Urban Souls, GONZO247, and the Mariachi Pumas at UH. Then, I was the Mitchell Center Fellow and the first Arts and Health Fellow through these great programs.
All in all, I am thankful for the journey and progress I have made to be where I am today. There is a lot of sacrifice, but resilience and positive thinking will always triumph in the end. I am thankful to my parents, Haydee and Joseph Rabin, and my sister Cathy Rabin for believing in me and watching me from the sidelines cheering me on. I am also eternally grateful for my mentors especially Dr. Aurelia Hartenberger, Dr. Julianna Moore, Sarah Brady, Aralee Dorough, Mark Sparks, Fleurette Fernando, Dean Andrew Davis, Dean Sarah Larsen, Dr. Sam McClure, Mr. Matthew Marsit, Maestro Franz Krager, and sooo many more who have helped me every step of the way to be where I am today. Also… my therapist Dr. Kennetha Frye hahaha THANK YOU!!
Oh, did I mention I was President of the Graduate and Professional Student Association this past year? Hahaha I am CRAZY! But, that is just me in a nutshell: crazy, fun, but most importantly determined to accomplish my American Dream. No matter where you are, no matter what your background is, YOU. CAN. MAKE. A. DIFFERENCE.
Just keep
Believing.
Dreaming.
And!
Achieving.
Every step of the way!
Sending lots of love to everyone and when you don’t believe in yourself just know…
I believe in you!
(Even if I don’t know you!)
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have -of course- been so many challenges along my journey so far. But, the adventure to my highest potential has honestly just begun. Ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic impacting my masters education to navigating Houston without a car for four months while enduring a very toxic relationship, I have had my fair share of challenging experiences. They do not define me nor impact my positive mindset. That’s why I am so thankful for my education in self-care, mindfulness, psychology, and philosophy.
I think the biggest challenge for me is my current family situation. I come from a middle class family based in St. Louis, Missouri. So, when one parent is an immigrant and the other has health problems, it is incredibly difficult to manage my goals. I want to be there for my father while he is in hospice. But, I know he does not want me putting my life on hold. I love my parents and my family dearly. Even when we don’t agree on many things, I will always and eternally be grateful for them.
When my Dad had two heart attacks and a stroke in February 2023, I sank into a deep depression that I never experienced before. I think that unexpected life event after a series of losses impacted me so greatly. But, regardless, I am as determined to get through the tough situation. My Dad is declining in health, but I have faith and hope he will be at graduation next May to watch the first Dr. Rabin be robed on stage.
I went to seek out help, found resources, and continued to embark on the next chapter of life in transition.
My best advice to those experiencing grief is GET. HELP. you need to be surrounded by those you love and care for.
With my community here in Houston, I am so thankful. Especially to the Wysocki family for bringing me under their wing during one of the most challenging periods in my life. Thank you for making a positive impact forever!!!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an interdisciplinary artist with experiences ranging from being a Yamadori Japanese Servant in the Houston Grand Opera Production of Madam Butterfly to being Stage Manager of the National Flute Association. I do a myriad of activities to keep my passions alive but also my ADHD mind proactive! Lolol
I am most proud of organizing a Flash Mob to benefit Ukraine. It was a collaborative effort with musicians from the Moores School of Music and embarking on the Student Center South Lobby with a pop-up performance of the Ukrainian National Anthem and Somewhere Over the Rainbow. I worked with Miranda Hollingsworth, Mariam Mouwad, David Sigh, and many staff and faculty at the University of Houston. It was a proud moment to make a statement through the beauty that is the arts. Performing is my passion, but making art powerful through performance is a purpose!
This leads me to be incredibly grateful for the opportunity to perform in Texas Children’s Hospital for bedside visits with the incredible Carol Herron. Through the Houston Symphony Fellowship, I learned from Dave Connor and Rainel Jobert how to perform in multiple settings in the hospital and engage a wider audience. I am so blessed to give back to the community in this way. I also have the opportunity to be a volunteer recording artist for the Purple Songs Can Fly Program run by Anita Kruse. A true inspiration, Anita’s program creates songs for oncology patients at Texas Children’s. The goal is to make children’s dreams come true, keep them powerful, and make an impact on their life for years to come.
Positivity is the way to move forward with our lives! This can be done through the arts.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love how much growth and potential there is for EVERY person and industry. Everyone in Houston has a home! There is a clear emphasis on a well-rounded and colorful population. With the beautiful up-and-coming arts district to the powerful suburban school systems, we the Houston community have the power to make a difference for everyone and anyone.
Thank you to this great city for making a positive impact on me and my life forever!!!
All in all, I don’t negative things to say. But, I think some improvements would definitely have to be more accessible public transportation to bring more community to our city. Plus, we need more trees and greenery to lower the average temperature and make our city beautiful for all tourists to see. Let’s welcome the world by being green!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.donaldrabin.com/
- Instagram: @donaldrabinflute
- Facebook: Donald Rabin
Image Credits
Brianna Moscorro
Marina Elizondo
Kayli DeBacker
Hannah Deplazes
Julia Kidd
