I've been selected to go on a trip abroad to Europe with a group of 150 high school students from across the United States, to play my violin in an orchestra. We will be traveling to Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy. Some of the places we will be playing in are, "The City of Music", otherwise known as Vienna, Austria, Spa Town, Italy, just outside of Venice, the palace gardens in Vienna, Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, the Istrian Peninsula, Rattenberg and Westerndorf, Austria.

We will experience many different cultures, partaking in activities such as, riding a cable car up the Alps, and visiting the graves of Strauss, Beethoven, and Mahler, along with the home of Mozart. We will be taking a tour of the Vienna State Opera House and the Roman Amphitheater. We will take a gondola ride, visit a World War II concentration camp, visit the Ljubljana Castle, the enchanting Melk Abbey, the Schönbrunn Palace and so much more.

I am working very hard to earn money for this trip. I have regular babysitting jobs and have just recently applied for a second job. This trip means a lot to me because I have worked so hard to improve my violin skills. I've been paying for my private violin lessons myself (with my parents help) and feel that they have helped substantially. I know my hard work is paying off. This is an honor to be invited to participate in this orchestra because this trip is the chance of a lifetime. I'm so thankful to be given this opportunity. 

I will continue to work hard to raise money and I sincerely appreciate all the love and support I have received. I truly believe my faith has brought me far, and God will be with me on this trip. Thank you in advance for all the donations. I would not be able to participate in this chance of a life time trip without you. 

Love, Tyler