Help me play the viola in NYC

My name is Jacob. I have played the viola for four years.  Recently my Papaw gave me his violin, so now I am trying to learn a second instrument. I don't have enough money for private lessons, so I try to learn as much as I can during my school's orchestra class. I stay after sometimes to get extra help. I also learn new songs on my own at home.

When I was in the third grade, the high school orchestra performed for us. We also got to touch the instruments and try to play them. Ever since, I knew that I wanted to play a stringed instrument. I chose the viola because I liked the sound and the size. I think that playing the viola helps me to get my brain going, and I enjoy learning new songs. The orchestra is nice because I can still be a part of the group, but I do not have to play solo. 

This is my freshman orchestra playing. Can you find me?





After I joined the orchestra, the school board considered cutting the orchestra program because of a lack of funding. The parents were upset. We got to keep our orchestra program if we agreed to help fund our own program. Now we have orchestras at both middle schools and 3 different orchestras at the high school and are trying to start a parent group. The orchestra program is growing really fast! It is my favorite class.

Our high school orchestra has been invited to travel to New York City in October 2015 to perform at the Sony Building. This is a really big opportunity for me. It will let me listen to a live performance of one of the best orchestras in the world. It will also allow me to see a big city. If I can get enough money to go on this trip, I will get to see:

* Chinatown and Little Italy
* the Empire State Building
* Radio City music hall
*the Rockefeller Center
* 5th Avenue
*the Museum of Natural History
*the New York Philharmonic Orchestra
*the Statue of Liberty
*Ellis Island
*Times Square
*a Broadway show
* the 911 Memorial and Museum

Best of all, I get to perform at the Sony Atrium inside the Sony Building. 

I am trying to earn money for the trip. The trip is October 15-19, 2015. We will ride a bus to New York and back and will be in the city for three days. I would like for my parents to go with me on the trip. Not only would this be an exciting trip for the family, I also need them there due to some special needs. In order for us to go, we have to raise $3500.00. My mom and dad are trying to take on extra work to help pay for the trip, but we need your help. It will be very hard for us to raise enough money on our own. Anything that you could give would be greatly appreciated.