Elena Gonzales’ last saxophone and trip to China
Donation protected
Hey everyone, I am starting this gofundme on behalf of our amazing daughter Elena. For those of you that do not know, Miranda and I decided to move to Santa Fe thirteen months ago after Elena auditioned and was accepted to the New Mexico School for the Arts. At NMSA Elena studies jazz saxophone, theory, and composition. NMSA is the state’s only public, statewide high school offering pre-professional arts training and academics. Since it opened its doors in 2010 with 138 students, it has since established itself as one of New Mexico’s top-performing schools. In her first year Elena has received straight A’s, and is also a student mental health advocate in the Natural Helper program.
This past year Elena’s playing capabilities have improved immensely, as has her overall competency as a musician. This year NMSA’s Jazz combo was invited for the first time to participate in the New York City Jazz Festival, and although she knew that as an underclassman she would not be able to go, she still helped her band mates raise all the money that they needed to attend. On the strength of that performance the whole group (including Elena) was invited to perform at the 2019 Chengdu Sister Cities Youth Festival from July 24 to July 30 in China!
Now, I had already known that she would be needing to step up to a serious horn this year (not to mention the horn she had been borrowing is now due). I have been budgeting for it for a while, but must admit that I was a bit taken back by the prospect of an unexpected trip for four (heck one) to China. To my relief, we found out about a week later that the Chinese Consulate and some other generous folks would be footing the bill for all of the kids travel and lodging bills.
At this point, I assume that some of you might be thinking something like, “so why are you asking us for money”? Well, the truth is that Elena suggested it, and actually gave such a convincing argument that I caved. Some of her line of reasoning are as follows; I have had a lot of people unsolicitedly say they want to help me out and this a way to get them all together, and If the people that love me help me achieve this, then I will always remember to do my best and pay it forward.
I tried to reassure Elena not to worry about it because if worse came to worst, I could actually go to my credit union and borrow what I needed or raise the limit on my credit card(for the first time in my life); that is the American way. Without hesitation she told me, “That’s one way in America dad, I see people using crowdfunding to help them achieve worthy goals. If they deserve a break, we deserve a break too, I am a good kid”. Now, what was supposed to say to that?
I think that it is important to note that Elena had every intention of working this summer. She was all signed up to get certified as a life guard this summer because she said “ I want to help pay for my horn, driving school, and car insurance” (wow what a kid). However, due to the rigorous practice schedule for their performance in Chengdu, Elena is unable to hold down a normal job this summer. As you might expect, she is hustling for baby sitting gigs.
The money raised will be used to purchase a Selmer 80 Super Action Series II black lacquer tenor saxophone that will be purchased from a private seller. I have negotiated a STEEPLY discounted price for this horn. This campaign will end July 12. I am humbled if you have read this far and thank you for your perspective donation. Thank you from the bottom our hearts!
Peace and Love,
Joe and Elena Gonzales
This past year Elena’s playing capabilities have improved immensely, as has her overall competency as a musician. This year NMSA’s Jazz combo was invited for the first time to participate in the New York City Jazz Festival, and although she knew that as an underclassman she would not be able to go, she still helped her band mates raise all the money that they needed to attend. On the strength of that performance the whole group (including Elena) was invited to perform at the 2019 Chengdu Sister Cities Youth Festival from July 24 to July 30 in China!
Now, I had already known that she would be needing to step up to a serious horn this year (not to mention the horn she had been borrowing is now due). I have been budgeting for it for a while, but must admit that I was a bit taken back by the prospect of an unexpected trip for four (heck one) to China. To my relief, we found out about a week later that the Chinese Consulate and some other generous folks would be footing the bill for all of the kids travel and lodging bills.
At this point, I assume that some of you might be thinking something like, “so why are you asking us for money”? Well, the truth is that Elena suggested it, and actually gave such a convincing argument that I caved. Some of her line of reasoning are as follows; I have had a lot of people unsolicitedly say they want to help me out and this a way to get them all together, and If the people that love me help me achieve this, then I will always remember to do my best and pay it forward.
I tried to reassure Elena not to worry about it because if worse came to worst, I could actually go to my credit union and borrow what I needed or raise the limit on my credit card(for the first time in my life); that is the American way. Without hesitation she told me, “That’s one way in America dad, I see people using crowdfunding to help them achieve worthy goals. If they deserve a break, we deserve a break too, I am a good kid”. Now, what was supposed to say to that?
I think that it is important to note that Elena had every intention of working this summer. She was all signed up to get certified as a life guard this summer because she said “ I want to help pay for my horn, driving school, and car insurance” (wow what a kid). However, due to the rigorous practice schedule for their performance in Chengdu, Elena is unable to hold down a normal job this summer. As you might expect, she is hustling for baby sitting gigs.
The money raised will be used to purchase a Selmer 80 Super Action Series II black lacquer tenor saxophone that will be purchased from a private seller. I have negotiated a STEEPLY discounted price for this horn. This campaign will end July 12. I am humbled if you have read this far and thank you for your perspective donation. Thank you from the bottom our hearts!
Peace and Love,
Joe and Elena Gonzales
Organiser
Joseph Gonzales
Organiser
Santa Fe, NM