Franco American Vocal Academy 2013

I was offered the wonderful opportunity to sing the role of Brambilla, in Offenbach's La Perichole in Perigueux, France, this summer through a program called the Franco American Vocal Academy (website: http://favaopera.org/EngHome.html). FAVA is a prestigious summer program for singers (as well as pianists and instrumentalists alike) and its mission is to discover, educate and inspire promising vocal talent. It is a five week program that offers each singer the opportunity to sing a full operatic role (a rare opportunity for a young classical singer) and includes a curriculum rich with voice lessons, coachings, role preparation, French language for singers (three levels), dance/movement, and career building. It would be an absolute dream to be able to take advantage of this amazing opportunity especially because of my passion for the French language and music!

For those who don't personally know me, I recently graduated from UMass Amherst with a Bachelor's in Music in Music Education and Vocal Performance. At UMass, I participated in and music directed shows for the Theater Guild, I was an alto in Chamber Choir for three years, a soprano in a voice studio quintet, gave two degree-required recitals, and participated in Opera Workshop (most notable roles in select scenes were Meg Page in Falstaff and Gertrude in Louise). I am currently teaching general music at the elementary level and I am also teaching private lessons but aspire to pursue my Master's Degree in Vocal Performance in the near future.

The program is unfortunately too expensive for me to fund out of pocket being a recent graduate and the program has already generously offered me some financial aid in the form of work study so I'm seeking your wonderful help! I'm setting my goal amount for $2,600 because I'd be able to feasibly cover the outstanding amount. I have to tell the program by this time next week whether or not I am able to participate in their program this summer SO I'm making this effort an all-or-nothing campaign. What does that mean? If I don't reach my goal of $2,600 by next week and you have wonderfully pledged a donation, you won't be charged a cent! So the donation will not process unless the goal is reached. If you are so kind as to donate to my cause, I pledge to maintain a travel blog complete with journal entries, pictures, and programs (if possible)! If you are a musical-related organization, I will offer a free mini recital upon return or free music services for a gig! (I also make pretty great thank you cupcakes).

Any penny counts and I will be so grateful for your kindness and support! This program will be a huge milestone in my musical education and potential career, and I'm sure, an experience I will never forget!

-Kaara

Note: If you would like to further discuss this with me, my e-mail is [email redacted]ss.edu :)