Help Eric go to the OAKE National Choir!

Singing has helped save this 6th grader- will you help?

Hi, my name is Heather, and I am raising funds to help my son Eric.

Can you help Eric Wyche participate in the OAKE National Conference Choir? Eric was chosen through a strict nationwide audition process and we’re so proud of him! This choral experience is known to be life-changing for young singers! For the last three years, Eric has participated in his school chorus and honor chorus, as well as the regional Honors Chorus. Music is very important to Eric. It is therapeutic for him. He loves to sing and play the violin. Singing has helped Eric’s health. We recently found out that not only does he have asthma, but Eric has an additional serious lung condition where portions of his lungs have permanently collapsed on themselves and are over 50% blocked. He has many challenges but singing has actually helped Eric be able to breathe better, as well as bring him such joy.

We would love for him to have the opportunity to participate in Jacksonville, Florida in March 2023--but it’s expensive. Due to Eric’s and my own health issues, there are certain travel and accomendations that are needed. The fundraising goal to cover expenses related to this is approx $3,500. Reaching this goal will ensure Eric will be able to participate and alleviate the financial burden placed on the family.

The OAKE National Conference brings together music educators and clinicians to work with participants selected for the National Choirs. The audition-based OAKE National Conference Choirs are each led by a nationally renowned conductor. Eric will learn and memorize programmed music with his music teacher, Miss McCarten, before going to Jacksonville in March. Once there, Eric will participate in a rigorous 4-day rehearsal schedule, culminating in a final performance.

We’re grateful for anything you can donate so that Eric can participate in this exciting program. Proceeds will go towards transportation, lodging, and meals.

There are three ways to help and show support for Eric.

1) Share& send this out to everyone you know, encouraging them to help.

2)Donate to Eric’s fundraising goals via this gofundme campaign or directly to the family’s Venmo account: Heather Thomas @HeatherTWyche74. Please put OAKE in the note.

3) Eric’s music teacher is also collecting donations on Eric’s behalf. If you live in the Fairfax area and need help wrapping presents, contact Eric’s music teacher, Michelle McCarten @ [email redacted] to have your holiday gifts wrapped for a donation. Ms. McCarten will pick up your gifts and wrap them for you. You can reach her at [email redacted] or [phone redacted]. You can also send me a message directly through this campaign and I can connect you to her too!

** The Organization of American Kodály Educators has a mission to support music education of the highest quality, promote universal music literacy and lifelong music making, and preserve the musical heritage of the people of the United States of America through education, artistic performance, advocacy and research. www.OAKE.org

***Additional information about Eric. Eric is also a community advocate within his community. He spends many hours giving back to his community through a program he co-created with his brother called Place for Kids(Program of A Place to Stand). He helps deliver basic needs items such as diapers, wipes, snack bags, activity bags, and winter coats, to kids living in poverty in his community. Let's show Eric appreciation for all he does to serve his community by helping him reach this goal so he can attend this very important opportunity. Every little bit helps. Thank you for your help.