I am Ray McNamara and I am raising funds to do music and cultural research in Ghana, West Africa.  I started a West African Drumming program at Cal State Channel Islands 4 years ago and it has steadily grown every semester.  I have always wanted to pursue a trip to Ghana as that is where my teachers are from.  I want to learn more about the music and the people that I love and admire.  By immersing myself in Ghana for 2 weeks, I hope to bring back new knowledge to share with my students and my community.  I am also looking forward to giving back to Ghana as I want to share my experiences and my teaching with the local community there.  I was invited this year by my teacher's family to participate in a special anniversary celebration this summer.  I have had Yeko Ladzekpo come as a guest artist to my classes for the past 2 years as I have tried to expose my students to the depth of African Culture.  I was trying to secure funds from my school to support my trip, but I was unsuccessful.  That is where you come in.  I am trying to raise funds to cover the whole process of my research trip.
airfare, visa, shots, food, housing and miscellaneous costs associated with this monumental endeavor.  This invitation is for this June 28-July 12, so I need to acquire the funds soon.  I plan on sharing my research at a special concert at CSUCI next Fall 2019.  I would be indebted to you for your support and Would like to offer a special invitation to my post trip concert and lecture.