<div>Hello, my name is Blake Velandra, and music has <strong>always</strong> been a <strong>huge </strong>part of my life. I play bass guitar and tenor saxophone, and I’m currently in my fourth year of high school marching band. Over the years, I’ve played everything from saxophones to oboe, but bass guitar is where I’ve truly found my voice.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>For the past two years, I’ve performed bass guitar with Huron Valley Percussion (HVP), even earning the Best Performer Award for the Front Ensemble. That experience inspired me to take my musicianship to the next level — <em>and now,</em> I’ve been given an <strong>incredible</strong> opportunity:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I’ve been invited to join Redline,<strong> Michigan’s most prestigious drumline!</strong> Redline is one of only <em>31</em> <em>world-class</em> (PIW) groups recognized by WGI – Winter Guard International. Redline represents the very best in competitive percussion, performing on some of the biggest stages in the country — including the University of Dayton, where I’ve dreamed of performing for years.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Becoming part of Redline means months of hard work and total commitment — rehearsing 25 hours each weekend from November through April — but it also means making a <em>lifelong</em> dream come true.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Unfortunately, this opportunity comes with significant costs. Between tuition, gear, travel, and food, I need to raise about $5,000 to make this dream a reality.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><em>Here is a breakdown</em> of how the funds will be used in order.
</div>
<ul>
<li><strong>$0–$2,250: </strong>Redline tuition
</li>
<li><strong>$2,250–$2,600:</strong> Required uniform (jacket &amp; jersey)
</li>
<li><strong>$2,600–$4,450:</strong> Gas &amp; food for 26 weekends of rehearsals
</li>
<li><strong>$4,450–$5,000+: </strong>Bass gear, strings, and other essentials
</li>
</ul>
<div><strong>Your donation — no matter the amount</strong> — will make a <em>real</em> difference. Every dollar helps me get one step closer to performing with Redline and representing Michigan on a national stage.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>This is the biggest musical opportunity of my life, and I’m ready to give it everything I have. If you’re able to contribute, please consider donating today. And even if you can’t donate, sharing this page helps more than you know.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting me, believing in me, and helping me chase this dream. ❤️
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>And for any other information about Redline, <a href="https://performredline.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this is their website</a>, and I am always open to any questions you might have. Thank you so much for your support!!
</div>

Jennifer Thompson

John Downey

Gregg Tarpinian

Devon DeKett

Harold R Ruhl

John Planck

Peter Murasky

Adam Kendall

Carter Swarthout

Kristin Carlton

Dawn Hancock

Francine Nesti

Ryan Ruhl

Grandma and Grandpa Velandra

Shea Eagle

Amber Lapeer

Robert Conner

Kevin Best

Steve Berardelli

Terri Maisel

Help Blake Join Redline!

Help Blake Join Redline!

Still $3,121 to go. Help us build momentum.