My name is Rebekah Esper, and I’m 14 years old. I live in Chicago, Illinois, where I’m a part of two music programs that have helped tremendously in my musical path. Seven years ago, when I was in first grade, I picked the harp as my instrument. People always ask me, “How did you pick the harp?” and I say that my younger self only picked it because it “was pretty.” One teacher told me, “You don’t choose the instrument, the instrument chooses you,” and I think it is true, the harp chose me!
Because I live in the big city of Chicago, I’m a part of two musical funding programs that have let me borrow a lever harp to practice at home. For a long time, the lever harp was sufficient enough until recently. Last year, my teacher Ms. Ellie brought up the idea of a pedal harp because I’ve outgrown the lever harp. She recommended I move up to the 40-string pedal harp. My family agreed, except for one thing - we are moving to Michigan. Because we will not live in the Chicago area, we wouldn’t be able to be a part of the music programs that would’ve helped us buy a pedal harp. In Michigan, there aren’t programs that help young musicians to buy their instruments; therefore, I humbly ask if you would consider donating to buy my first harp? I want to continue faithfully practicing two hours a day to continue growing and advancing in my music studies. Thank you for considering my donation request! I am forever grateful to you!