Baer chose the bassoon when he was in the 6th grade and interested in band. His music teacher suggested the woodwind instrument because Baer is smart and has the hands for the large instrument. His cancer battle began as he entered high school in the fall of 2019. “At times, it just seems like it never ends, I would just lay in bed all day and cry. I’d be so weak I couldn’t even walk up the stairs.” The track athlete would have to go into the hospital for treatment every Friday for several months. “Whenever I’m frustrated or down, I get on my bassoon," he said. "It calms me down. It focuses me. Helps me process what’s going on.”

When volunteer wish granters Kelly Kersh and Lori Weber met Brigham virtually amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, they quickly learned of his passion for music, especially the bassoon.  Brigham wished big, dreaming of his very own Fox 601 Bassoon with Heckel bocal and the opportunity to perform with professional musicians. 

Brigham was surprised with the hand-crafted instrument as well as a private performance by Houston's top orchestra performers. The sweet surprise was orchestrated by not only Make-A-Wish but with the help of several Houston area volunteers, nonprofit arts and community organizations.  

In addition to the performance and a custom Fox Products Fox 601 bassoon, Brigham will be given the opportunity to perform with top musicians at a virtual/in-person hybrid concert at Discovery Green for his friends and family in late May.  DaCamera, a local production group designed to attract new listeners to the concert hall, added the cherry on top, giving Brigham a chance to play with them at a later date.  The performance will feature Brigham performing alongside DACAMERA Young Artists playing a new work composed in his honor.