Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony Europe Fundraiser

Music is my passion

My name is Keller Shea. I am a student at Bay High School and dedicated saxophone player in The Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony.

I started playing my first instrument, clarinet, in 5th grade and gradually became more and more captivated by playing music. It was instantly a deeply fulfilling experience to create music. I started playing and practicing more and more. From this point, I knew music would continue to be something I would always have as a core part of my life. I have since added bari, alto, and tenor saxophone, as well as oboe to my repertoire. I now play in my local high school jazz ensemble, chamber orchestra, and marching band along with my role in the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony.

The Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony is a premier youth wind ensemble in Northeast Ohio that I've been quite fortunate to be a part of. It has been a tremendous part of my enjoyment with instrumentation. It is an ensemble that exists for more advanced and intermediate orchestration among young musicians. The group regularly performs at classical monuments such as Severance Hall.

I have recently been invited to join the The Wind Symphony in Europe to perform at several historic venues. Arguably the most prominent and historically significant place in respect to classical music, this performance tour would contribute greatly towards my goal of becoming a professional musician.

Traveling with The Wind Symphony will provide me with a rare opportunity to exemplify the music that our ensemble creates to a broader audience, as well as give the musicians a chance to learn more about music in other cultures.

I could not have had this opportunity if it were not for the extensive work put into practicing and preparing for CYWS auditions. Since I’ve started, music has given me a new sense of reason and productivity. Before I played I didn’t really have something to apply myself to. Music gave me something to work towards.

I know this trip would be extremely impactful to my life in many ways. To play music over-seas with the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony would be a unique occurrence and allow me to gain valuable experience. However, I can only do this with the generous support of my music community, friends, and family. I am so grateful to all the people who helped me achieve what I have so far in my musical journey, and to all who have or will consider donations of any kind.

Thank you for sharing this journey with me.