Makenzie's OK Ambassadors of Music
Dear family and friends,
Hi everyone! As the summer of my freshman year quickly approaches, I am very excited to tell you all that I was nominated and accepted to perform with the Oklahoma Ambassadors of Music in Europe. This would be a once in a lifetime experience to be able to perform in various historical and cultural hotspots throughout Europe. The tour will take me and my fellow musicians through England, France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Italy, and Germany. The tour lasts a total of 16 days, and in each country we visit, we have the privilege of performing in a concert for the local communities.
Now let me tell you a bit about myself and my high school experience as a trumpet in the Ringwood High School band. My name is Makenzie Stewart, and I was born and raised in Oklahoma, a state I dearly love. I was raised in a single-parent home with a strong, female role model in my mother. I've always been surrounded by a close extended family who love me and pray for me constantly. I have a strong passion for academics, and I was Valedictorian of my eighth grade class at graduation. My dream is to attend Johns Hopkins University to become an epidemiologist, soon after working at the CDC. Aside from that, I also have a great passion for music. My mother and my uncle both enjoy performing and singing in church. I guess I caught it from them. My uncle, Kyle Stewart, is also the band director at Ringwood, and the one who nominated me for this program. When I started band in 5th grade, I played the french horn just like my uncle did when he was in school. Later that year, I decided to switch to trumpet. I fell in love immediately. Best decision of my life. I love all genres of music, anything that has to do with music. I enjoy teaching myself songs on my instrument, whether it be classical or the new top hits on the radio. Mr. Stewart has pushed me very hard in my musical career and I am thankful for that. Many think that since we are related he's easy on me. It's quite the opposite and I have achieved great things because of this. From my beginning in the music biz, I have performed solos at Tri-State Music Festivals and district level solos, receiving numerous superior ratings. I have also atteended many honor bands, acquiring patches from every one.
This is why I am reaching out to you and asking you to sponsor me by donating money towards the cost of the trip. The overall expense for this opportunity, including various fees for obtaining a passport and extra costs while in Europe is roughly $7,000. Living in a single-parent household, it would be difficult to come by on my own. I am busy participating in fundraisers for this trip, but I would appreciate any help that I could attain.
If a donation is not possible from you at the moment, I would appreciate any support whether it be prayers for this journey or positive wishes.
Sincerely, Makenzie L. Stewart
