Help Replace a Stolen Bassoon for a Master's Student

As many may know, I had a rough start to my master's degree when my Heckel bassoon was stolen out of my apartment about a month into school. This was devastating to me and my family, who gave up a lot to be able to get that instrument. I spent weeks and months doing everything I could to try and get it back, but there came a point where I had to prioritize my safety. There were days my partner and I walked over 10 miles around Rochester just looking for it. There were many moments where I thought about giving up—giving up on the search, giving up on school, and giving up on bassoon. As time passed, I realized I could never give up the bassoon. I have loved it from the first note I played in the 6th grade (which probably didn’t sound very good). I was very fortunate to be playing on a wonderful school-owned instrument for the rest of my master's degree, but my time to play on that bassoon is coming to an end.

The thought of “replacing” my Heckel has been a difficult one to confront. I know that I will never forget that instrument, and it will always hold such a special place in my heart. Over the past couple of weeks, I have been trialing a bassoon that I am really starting to love, and while I have many mixed feelings about searching for a new bassoon, I think this one is a really good match for me. Even though I still feel pain and heartbreak surrounding my stolen bassoon, I want to move forward so that what feels like one of my worst nightmares can finally be over. I am writing this GoFundMe in hopes that those who are able and willing to donate would help contribute towards me purchasing this instrument. I appreciate any support you are able to provide, and my gratitude is endless. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.