Hello! My name is Anthony Shands. I’m a 20-year-old student of Wendy Warner at the Schwob School of Music.

Recently, I was invited to the Tennessee Cello Workshop with Wesley Baldwin at UTK, and while at this festival, I discovered a cello I’ve absolutely fallen in love with. However, I do not have all the funds to purchase the cello myself. So, I am asking friends and family to help me obtain this cello, as I believe it’ll help me reach the next step in my professional career.

I began cello in high school, which is late in regards to pursuing classical music. But ever since I’ve started, I’ve had one goal: to become the best cellist I can possibly be. So, for years I fought to catch up to my colleagues, and now I’m proud to say I’m at the Schwob School of Music on scholarship.

Throughout my endeavors, I’ve never had access to the equipment my peers had. Currently, I’m playing on a $2,000 high school instrument that was generously discounted for me. If I plan to take on graduate school auditions, I’ll need a cello that can compete with my peers, and I believe this cello I’ve found in Tennessee is just that.

If you can support at all, I’d be forever grateful. If you can’t support and know someone who may be able to, please send this to them.