Help Stephen get a Bassoon

Stephen Olusemire is a young Nigerian student whose greatest wish is to be a bassoon player. I became aware of him a year ago when he posted a video of himself on Facebook playing near his home in Lagos, and boldly asked for advice on the International Double Reed Society Facebook page.  Stephen has reached out to the world quite literally, to help him learn the bassoon, and his joy is infectious! However, he had only limited access to an instrument in poor repair, almost no reeds or equipment, and yet an enormous enthusiasm and curiosity about music, bassoon technique and repertoire.

Then, in July 2020, his instrument broke down. 

Stephen's goal is to continue playing and learning, and he needs an instrument desperately.  He is devastated, and I would like to help him get an instrument and ship it to Lagos so we can continue our online lessons and talk about the possibility of him studying abroad. 

Bassoons are expensive, but with small donations here and there from many of us, it just might be possible to help this boy,  who dreams of being a bassoonist, to get an instrument of his very own to fuel his insatiable passion for "all things bassoon" and to enable him to seek a future in music.

Our goal is to raise $8000USD/€7000EUR/$10,500 CAD/50,000DKK or equivalent. The fundraiser is in Danish Kroner, as it is registered in Denmark, but there are bassoonists from all over the world helping with this initiative. The exchange rate for Danish Kroner is approximately 100DKK=16USD.

Thank you in advance for any help you can give!

Sheila Popkin
Principal Bassoonist
Aalborg Symphony Orchestra
Denmark