2nd Chance - AIMS Orchestra Graz
Donation protected
Life is full of second chances. Some people are afraid to leave the security of the life they know and chase the unknown – but I have snatched every second chance that has been presented!
* I lost my job in 2011 – I returned to school to achieve my Master’s degree in Cello Performance
* My husband became seriously ill over the holidays in 2015 – I spent seven weeks living in a hospital by his side, fighting alongside him so that he could gain a full recovery
* In 2015 I auditioned for the AIMS Orchestra in Graz, Austria – I was not their first choice, but I was their second choice. I seized that opportunity!
While my husband was in a Maryland hospital fighting his illness, I was able to stay by his side. My income comes from playing in orchestras, teaching kids both cello and piano, and dog sitting. During this time, I made some difficult choices. I had to put the building of my studio in South Florida on hold and then physically relocate my husband from Maryland to Florida for rehabilitation and recovery. Since returning to South Florida in January, I have been rebuilding my studio. I was looking forward to my return to Graz; I attempted to save as much as I could while living off my husband's disability checks for our monthly expenses. Unfortunately, I am left a little short on my preparation to return to Europe this summer!
Now I need your generosity to help make a second trip to Graz a reality. Allow me to share why this opportunity is so important to me! Your gift will help me more than words can express.
AIMS is a life changer.
AIMS changes the lives of musicians both musically and personally. The combination of intensive study, wonderful colleagues, and the adventure of living and traveling in Europe will shape my life for the better.
It’s personal and intimate.
In my six weeks at Graz, I experience life as a professional musician. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are spent in rehearsal; new music on Thursday afternoon, concert on Thursday night, and the weekend is spent preparing for our next rehearsal on Tuesday. We attend master classes in order to prepare for auditions. We work professionally in the orchestra community alongside our peers, performing not only fabulous orchestral music, but in smaller chamber settings. I get the opportunity to make incredible professional contacts, develop friendships that I will cherish for a lifetime, and create memories that seem like they happened only yesterday!
It’s living in Europe……
In Graz, to be exact – it is one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe. AIMS is about having a summer home in this beautiful region of Austria, with weekend trips to Venice, Vienna, Budapest, or Salzburg!
…. and contemplating a career here.
Many participants use AIMS to kick-start their career in the German-speaking music world, maybe I can be next!
Finally, it’s about ME!
It is a summer of dedicating my talent and myself, as I make a commitment to become a professional musician! I would love to return to Graz and continue to grow as a musician and a cellist!
Please help me cover my airfare and the excess baggage fee for my cello.
Airfare from Philadelphia to Frankfurt - $900
Excess baggage cost for my cello ($100 per flight) - $200
Return travel from Frankfurt to Graz by train - $400
Total Ask - $1,500
It is tough for me to ask for money, as I know many other people have campaigns that are important to them, too. So if you are willing to help me, then I am willing to give back:
$1 - $35 Cherubim of Graz
You will receive:
- A 3”x5” picture. A still life photo I took, with a special Thank You note written on the back.
$36-$99 Virtues of Graz
You will receive:
- A personalized postcard from Graz.
- A 3”x5” picture. A still life photo I took, with a special Thank You note written on the back.
$100+ Angel of Graz
You will receive:
- Either a signed, matted photo from my still life collection OR homemade jewelry.
- A personalized postcard from Graz.
- A 3”x5” picture. A still life photo I took, with a special Thank You note written on the back.
I love keeping EVERYONE updated with my experience of traveling through Europe and living in Graz. Without people like you, this dream would not be possible – so I am always grateful for anything you can spare. I have created a blog page on my website where I will post all my updates. While you patiently wait for the first update, you can read about my experiences last summer!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me! Thank you in advance for supporting my campai
* I lost my job in 2011 – I returned to school to achieve my Master’s degree in Cello Performance
* My husband became seriously ill over the holidays in 2015 – I spent seven weeks living in a hospital by his side, fighting alongside him so that he could gain a full recovery
* In 2015 I auditioned for the AIMS Orchestra in Graz, Austria – I was not their first choice, but I was their second choice. I seized that opportunity!
While my husband was in a Maryland hospital fighting his illness, I was able to stay by his side. My income comes from playing in orchestras, teaching kids both cello and piano, and dog sitting. During this time, I made some difficult choices. I had to put the building of my studio in South Florida on hold and then physically relocate my husband from Maryland to Florida for rehabilitation and recovery. Since returning to South Florida in January, I have been rebuilding my studio. I was looking forward to my return to Graz; I attempted to save as much as I could while living off my husband's disability checks for our monthly expenses. Unfortunately, I am left a little short on my preparation to return to Europe this summer!
Now I need your generosity to help make a second trip to Graz a reality. Allow me to share why this opportunity is so important to me! Your gift will help me more than words can express.
AIMS is a life changer.
AIMS changes the lives of musicians both musically and personally. The combination of intensive study, wonderful colleagues, and the adventure of living and traveling in Europe will shape my life for the better.
It’s personal and intimate.
In my six weeks at Graz, I experience life as a professional musician. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are spent in rehearsal; new music on Thursday afternoon, concert on Thursday night, and the weekend is spent preparing for our next rehearsal on Tuesday. We attend master classes in order to prepare for auditions. We work professionally in the orchestra community alongside our peers, performing not only fabulous orchestral music, but in smaller chamber settings. I get the opportunity to make incredible professional contacts, develop friendships that I will cherish for a lifetime, and create memories that seem like they happened only yesterday!
It’s living in Europe……
In Graz, to be exact – it is one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe. AIMS is about having a summer home in this beautiful region of Austria, with weekend trips to Venice, Vienna, Budapest, or Salzburg!
…. and contemplating a career here.
Many participants use AIMS to kick-start their career in the German-speaking music world, maybe I can be next!
Finally, it’s about ME!
It is a summer of dedicating my talent and myself, as I make a commitment to become a professional musician! I would love to return to Graz and continue to grow as a musician and a cellist!
Please help me cover my airfare and the excess baggage fee for my cello.
Airfare from Philadelphia to Frankfurt - $900
Excess baggage cost for my cello ($100 per flight) - $200
Return travel from Frankfurt to Graz by train - $400
Total Ask - $1,500
It is tough for me to ask for money, as I know many other people have campaigns that are important to them, too. So if you are willing to help me, then I am willing to give back:
$1 - $35 Cherubim of Graz
You will receive:
- A 3”x5” picture. A still life photo I took, with a special Thank You note written on the back.
$36-$99 Virtues of Graz
You will receive:
- A personalized postcard from Graz.
- A 3”x5” picture. A still life photo I took, with a special Thank You note written on the back.
$100+ Angel of Graz
You will receive:
- Either a signed, matted photo from my still life collection OR homemade jewelry.
- A personalized postcard from Graz.
- A 3”x5” picture. A still life photo I took, with a special Thank You note written on the back.
I love keeping EVERYONE updated with my experience of traveling through Europe and living in Graz. Without people like you, this dream would not be possible – so I am always grateful for anything you can spare. I have created a blog page on my website where I will post all my updates. While you patiently wait for the first update, you can read about my experiences last summer!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me! Thank you in advance for supporting my campai
Organizer
Johanna O. Wright-Vines
Organizer
Fort Lauderdale, FL
