Karis' American Music Abroad Trip
Donation protected
My name is Karis, and I am a junior at Catonsville High School in Baltimore County, Maryland. I'm president of my class, a National Honor Society member, a Spanish Honor Society member, a Student Sharing participant, a black belt in karate, and I have a 3.8 grade point average"”but none of those things are why I'm writing to you. What isn't't on that list of achievements and activities (because it can't fully be quantified) is musicianship. I've played the clarinet since I was nine years old, and I love being a musician. I have an opportunity to experience every musician's dream, playing the instrument I love in places I'd love to see. Please allow me to share it with you.
My Symphonic Winds bandmates and I have been selected by the American Music Abroad organization to be participants in a 16-day European musical experience of a lifetime. We have the opportunity to entertain, be educated, grow musically, forge new relationships, and immerse ourselves in culture in such countries as France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. Can you imagine performing for 1,000 people in a cathedral in Venice one night, and having dinner in the Austrian Alps the next? For a girl who has never even been on an airplane, it was hard for me to imagine, at first, but I can now. Going on this journey would change my life. Let me tell you why.
I've grown up making, witnessing, and understanding sacrifice. My mother is a single parent who works tirelessly to provide for me and my older, autistic brother, Daniel. Daniel's special needs require a lot, and because my mom has to work so hard, a lot of his care falls to me. I miss out on a lot of events and experiences because of it. I'm determined, however, not to miss this chance. It costs $5,200 to go on this trip. Another $1,200 is necessary for food and incidental expenses. I work part time, my mother works full time and we still can't afford to pay for it. That fact is why I'm writing to you.
I am seeking sponsorship to fund this journey. Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to visit http://www.americanmusicabroad.com/ to get an even better overview of this amazing experience. Thank you so much for visiting my page. All contributions are deeply appreciated. :)
Organizer
Diane Doctor
Organizer
Catonsville, MD
