LAURA ARCHAZKI-PACTER / Staff

Community School of Naples senior Alan Gao is taking the lead in organizing this year'­s benefit concert for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Naples.

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Alan Gao was just three years old when he began playing the violin. The son of Naples Philharmonic Orchestra members Ming Gao and Si-Cheng Liu, the attraction was natural.

On Apr. 6, the Community School senior will combine the talents of his family and fellow students during a benefit concert to for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Naples.

According to Kelly Hammer, CSN communications director, this will be the school’s second concert to benefit the society.

“One of our faculty members was diagnosed with lymphoma two years ago,” Hammer explains. “That year, we raised $2,700, and the concert itself raised $900.”

Hammer said Gao’s work with the concert, in addition to community service through the Key Club and other school activities, has resulted in many hours beyond the school’s 80-hour requirement.

“I’m impressed,” she says, “He is one of three students who approached the PTO on their own to present student-led initiatives on community service. He is going above and beyond what he is supposed to do.”

After recruiting 30-50 fellow student musicians, Gao promises concert goers a musical treat, with a mix of classics intertwined with present-day pieces.

“It’s coming together well,” he says of the score. “Last year, we played a “Phantom of the Opera” medley my dad arranged. We also played “Rockin in a Free World,” by Neil Young, coupled with violin duets, and “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zepplin.”

Gao’s parents will join their son onstage between student performances. Thus far, the line up includes a string ensemble, consisting of violin, viola and cello; a steel band, jazz band, and choir.

“All the individual groups are making a difference,” Gao says. “This is a free event, but the audience is encouraged to make donations at the door, so if the audience is inspired to give more, they can do so.”

After graduation, Gao plans to pursue a business degree from New York University.

“If I have the time to minor in music, I will,” he says. “I plan on playing to keep it up, as I major in college.”

As to next year’s benefit concert, he has no doubt that the show must go on.

“I know they will keep this going. It’s for a great cause,” he says.

The concert will be held at 5 p.m., Sunday, Apr. 6, at the Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Road.