- B
- G
My name is Ella. I am 14 years old and ever since I could breathe, I was all things music. I love singing, I used to make up songs about snacks and clothes and anything I could. I danced and I even made it to the professional ballet twice. Once when I was 4 and again when I was 6.
In fourth grade, I was offered the chance to join orchestra and I seized it as fast I as could. I began playing cello and still do to this day.
This is me after my first cello concert.
When we moved, I got the opportunity to play in the band. I had dreamed of playing the clarinet but was not able to in my previous school. My parents couldn’t afford the cello and a clarinet rental. By an amazing chance, someone gave me my clarinet; A beautiful wood instrument that I love. My band teacher thought I would quit very quickly because cello and clarinet are so different. I persisted and am now first chair in my band. Along the way, I’ve also had the opportunity to learn to play tenor sax, piano and trumpet. I love playing m
usic so much I have decided to teach Middle School Band after college.
I recently received the incredible honor of being accepted into the Iowa Ambassadors of Music (IAM). My band teacher, Mrs. Wedeking, nominated me. Students are nominated based on musical ability, responsibility and ethics. I am honored that she thought so much of me.
I couldn’t believe it when I received the acceptance letter! During the summer after my freshman year, I have the opportunity to tour and play music in 7 different European countries. Even better, France and Italy are on the itinerary!! Two of the places I have dreamed of going to since I can remember!! I was so excited and couldn’t wait!
Until we went to the meeting and found out it would cost us about 8,000 dollars. And if we couldn’t afford to rent a clarinet for 50 dollars a month, there is not a chance we could pay 8,000 dollars on our own.
Which is why I’m asking for your help. Would you please help me achieve my dreams by donating? Even a little bit will help me get a once in a lifetime opportunity!
Mom and Me before my last concert.
Hello. I’m Winter, Ella’s mom. She’s told you part of her story but her dad, Tom and I think there are a few other things worth mentioning. Ella’s persistence and work ethic are incredible. In addition to practicing her instruments, she is in the choir and has achieved a superior rating in all of her vocal and instrumental solo contests. She participates in her school plays, maintains a 4.0 GPA and helps out around the house. We really couldn’t be more proud of her.
This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for her and we are doing everything we can to raise the funds but it's a huge stretch for us financially. Ella has already applied for a summer job at three local businesses. We are planning car washes, bake sales and she is asking around to see if any students need tutoring.
We’re asking you to be virtual Iowa Ambassadors of music. Through your financial support, you would be part and parcel to the wonderful gift of music Ella and her peers hope to give to Europe. As well as supporting the amazing learning and growth they will experience.
The money we raise will pay for Ella's air travel, bus travel, meals, incidentals, the required band t-shirts and uniforms, a passport, insurance, the week long music camp and hopefully a souvenir or two. She also wants to take extra music lessons this summer so she can audition to be one of the clarinet soloists.
It is exciting and a bit overwhelming! There is so much to accomplish over the next few months. Of course we would be grateful for your financial support and if you can’t help financially, we would welcome your thoughts, prayers, good vibes, etc.
In fourth grade, I was offered the chance to join orchestra and I seized it as fast I as could. I began playing cello and still do to this day.
This is me after my first cello concert.
When we moved, I got the opportunity to play in the band. I had dreamed of playing the clarinet but was not able to in my previous school. My parents couldn’t afford the cello and a clarinet rental. By an amazing chance, someone gave me my clarinet; A beautiful wood instrument that I love. My band teacher thought I would quit very quickly because cello and clarinet are so different. I persisted and am now first chair in my band. Along the way, I’ve also had the opportunity to learn to play tenor sax, piano and trumpet. I love playing m
usic so much I have decided to teach Middle School Band after college.
I recently received the incredible honor of being accepted into the Iowa Ambassadors of Music (IAM). My band teacher, Mrs. Wedeking, nominated me. Students are nominated based on musical ability, responsibility and ethics. I am honored that she thought so much of me.
I couldn’t believe it when I received the acceptance letter! During the summer after my freshman year, I have the opportunity to tour and play music in 7 different European countries. Even better, France and Italy are on the itinerary!! Two of the places I have dreamed of going to since I can remember!! I was so excited and couldn’t wait!
Until we went to the meeting and found out it would cost us about 8,000 dollars. And if we couldn’t afford to rent a clarinet for 50 dollars a month, there is not a chance we could pay 8,000 dollars on our own.
Which is why I’m asking for your help. Would you please help me achieve my dreams by donating? Even a little bit will help me get a once in a lifetime opportunity!
Mom and Me before my last concert.
Hello. I’m Winter, Ella’s mom. She’s told you part of her story but her dad, Tom and I think there are a few other things worth mentioning. Ella’s persistence and work ethic are incredible. In addition to practicing her instruments, she is in the choir and has achieved a superior rating in all of her vocal and instrumental solo contests. She participates in her school plays, maintains a 4.0 GPA and helps out around the house. We really couldn’t be more proud of her.
This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for her and we are doing everything we can to raise the funds but it's a huge stretch for us financially. Ella has already applied for a summer job at three local businesses. We are planning car washes, bake sales and she is asking around to see if any students need tutoring.
We’re asking you to be virtual Iowa Ambassadors of music. Through your financial support, you would be part and parcel to the wonderful gift of music Ella and her peers hope to give to Europe. As well as supporting the amazing learning and growth they will experience.
The money we raise will pay for Ella's air travel, bus travel, meals, incidentals, the required band t-shirts and uniforms, a passport, insurance, the week long music camp and hopefully a souvenir or two. She also wants to take extra music lessons this summer so she can audition to be one of the clarinet soloists.
It is exciting and a bit overwhelming! There is so much to accomplish over the next few months. Of course we would be grateful for your financial support and if you can’t help financially, we would welcome your thoughts, prayers, good vibes, etc.