Fly Carlos to share music in Iraq

This summer I am going on a four-week musical journey as the guest conductor of American Voice’s orchestral academy in Lebanon and Iraq. It will be a life changing experience seeing new cultures, and being able to make a difference in the lives of young musicians in the Middle East. I will be leading rehearsals and several concerts in both locations with musicians gathered from the region, plus extensive workshops geared to talented young conductors who are currently leading instrumental ensembles.


The program that I am volunteering with provides a platform for me and my colleagues to share our experience and expertise with the Middle East youth. Here is where you play a vital role: I need to travel there and bring as many musical supplies as possible with me! My dream is to leave in their hands enough materials and music for them to become multipliers in their own communities, so they can continue to feed their artistry and help each other once our trip is over.


American Voices provides cultural exchange through the performing arts and arts education in areas of the world that lack opportunities for cultural exchange and dialogue with the United States. Their mission is to "support the arts in difficult places” and “cross-cultural engagement to countries in transition.” Since its inception The Youth Excellence on Stage (YES) Academy has shared music over 6,500 young adult participants.  


Budget: The money you and I raise with this GoFundMe account will be used to help pay for my local travel ($250) and airfare expenses ($1900), plus music materials I intend to bring for the students, namely study scores ($700) and strings for their instruments ($650).


My life’s mission is to use music to positively impact young lives (you can visit my website ). Because of you, I will make a difference in these two communities by exemplifying the sort of leaders we need them to become. Together, we will project music as a powerful instrument for social transformation in one region of the world that desperately needs encouragement.


Thank you for considering sharing and donating to this GoFundMe campaign. You can also show your support by donating your miles, or by sending music, strings, bows, rosin, etc... Every donation (either cash or in kind) means so much, and it would be put 100% towards a good cause.


To help me get the word out, you can share this campaign to your Facebook Timeline or your preferred Social Media!