Please Help Miles Get To Ellington!

Hello, my name is Miles Lennox. You probably know my parents, Ron & Dee Lennox. I am the pianist/keyboardist for the Dillard Center for the Arts' award-winning Jazz Ensemble in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I am in the 10th grade and I have been playing piano for 8 years. I really love music, especially Jazz! After college, I intend to become a professional musician. This year, our band has been selected as Finalists to compete in the 22nd Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival, May 10-14, 2017. This is our seventh appearance at the competition in the last eight years! Hosted by Jazz legend, Wynton Marsalis, the competition accepts only the top 15 Jazz bands from across the nation. Going to New York and getting to be a part of this great opportunity on a national stage with my band would be an awesome opportunity and a great educational experience. The total cost is $1,350 per student to attend, including travel, meals and lodging. My school is contributing $500 per student. I am responsible for the remaining $850.
   In addition, I have some more great news. I have been accepted back for a 2nd year to study with the Mr. Marsalis and his Jazz master instructors for two full weeks! The Summer Jazz Academy will be held at Bard College in New York this July with 44 of the top Jazz students chosen from around the country. My costs will be approximately $700 for travel and the upfront deposit. 
    So the total I am trying to raise is $1,550.
Please donate any amount to help me get to New York in May and July!
It would be GREATLY appreciated! Thank you so much.
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Click on the "View Campaign" button to Donate Now & to see video documentary at the end of this post about Dillard's participation in the 2011 competition. ("You Gotta Swing!")
Also, visit http://academy.jazz.org/ee/ 
for the Essentially Ellington announcement of finalists.