I'm Naomi, and I've got this dream that's been playing in my heart for a while now. I started learning to play the cello when I was just 9, not long after my dad suddenly passed away. My dad had gone to pick up boxes of food from the grocery store that would be given to people in our neighborhood food program but he died on the way home. I was so little. I still can't believe that my dad is gone! Anyways, one of his good friends heard that I wanted a cello and went online and shipped one to me with everything I needed to get started. Mr. Richardson told me that he was only doing what my dad would do for me. He said now other dads that knew my dad are here for me. It made me feel a little bit better because he gave me a cello, a 3/4, to help me through those tough times. It was so huge! It's been my trusty companion ever since, but it's way too small now. I need a full size 4/4 and some levels up.

I've been working really hard at it, and my cello skills have improved a lot. My teacher tells me I'm ready to step up to an intermediate or higher level cello so I can keep up with the other awesome cellists in my group. I want to help them to sound good!

When my dad passed, playing the cello became my way to cope with the sadness. I used to take lessons with teacher David Mason But then COVID happened, and my cello teacher had to stop teaching. I got more and more bummed out and eventually stopped playing altogether. I didn't think I'd ever pick it up again.

But then, something really cool happened! I got into this amazing prestigious school because of my test scores, and that's where I met Maestro Samuels. He found out I played the cello and asked me to play for him. Even though I was a bit rusty, he cheered me on and said he could see potential in me. He was happy that I could read music and learn new songs quickly. I was put in advance orchestra!

There's just one thing holding me back right now – I can't always bring the school's cello home, and that's where you come in. I'd really, really love to have my very own cello. With your help, I can keep chasing my dreams, improve my skills, and maybe even find someone who can guide me to become an even better cellist with a few lessons and mentoring since my last teacher moved to Colorado.

And, you know what? My mom loves capturing moments, and she can send you videos of me when we start performing soon. She's pretty good at that sort of thing.

Your support would mean the world to me and would keep my dad's dreams alive through my music. I promise to practice hard and make you proud.

So, if you can, please consider helping me out and send/text this to 5 friends. Share it on your social media page and ask 5 friends to share it too!

Thanks a ton,

Naomi