Interlochen 2017 WYWS-Bass Trombone

I have been accepted into the 2017 Interlochen Arts Camp Orchestra and Wind Symphony Program. After auditioning, I secured the bass trombone chair in the World Youth Wind Symphony. The World Youth Wind Symphony is the most advanced high school summer band experience available in the country. The World Youth Wind Symphony has performed under the baton of many internationally renowned conductors, composers and artists. Alumni of WYWS have attended virtually every major university school of music and conservatory and currently enjoy careers as professional musicians around the globe. I hope to carry on that tradition and major in music performance. I believe that Interlochen will prepare me for success in college and my professional career.

I have been playing trombone for 8 years. Throughout the past 8 years I have been involved in  number of different ensembles including: Belleville West HS Marching Maroons, Belleville West HS, Symphonic Band, Belleville West HS Elite Jazz Band, Belleville West HS Pit Orchestra, Belleville Intergenerational Philharmonic, Eastern Illinois University Music Camp Top Jazz Band and Combo, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp Gold Jazz Band and Combo, Webster University Young People's Symphony Orchestra, ILMEA District Jazz Band 1, ILMEA District Orchestra, ILMEA Honors All-State Orchestra, and the St. Louis Low Brass Collective Ensembles. The first five years I exclusively played tenor trombone. After auditioning for the elite Jazz Band my freshmen year, I was offered the opportunity to play bass trombone. I began on an F attachment and slowly transitioned to the bass trombone. Even though using the school's vintage Bach 50 Bass Trombone presented some obstacles, I came to love the instrument. Determined to continue playing bass trombone in college and beyond, we purchased a professional grade bass trombone. Under the guidance of Gerry Pagano, Bass Trombonist of the St. Louis Symphony, my skills and musicianship have flourished. Interlochen will provide me with even more opportunity for growth.

I currently work over the summer to pay for gas used to get back and forth from lessons and rehearsals. I will be sacrificing this income to attend Interlochen. Even with financial assistance, the costs associated with attending Interlochen are a financial hardship for my family. I am eternally grateful for all the help I have received to get to this point and appreciate any assistance. Your support means that I will have an opportunity that would otherwise be out of reach. All donations will go towards the remaining tuition fees, uniforms, supplies (mutes, tuner, etc.), and transportation.

Thank you for your consideration and your help.