Olivia's cello repair fund

Hello Friends, Family, community, aquaintences and supporters,

I need your help.

On December 1st, I experienced the most feared nightmare of musicians. I took my cello out of its case to find it was severely damaged- three massive cracks spread across the bass side of the instrument, along with three smaller cracks off of the bass f-hole, directly above the sound post, and underneath the tail piece. At first I was stunned. Confused. Hurt. The last time I had used my cello was at a friend's private birthday party where my cello had been perfectly fine and tucked safely away from party goers. 



After piecing together guest's accounts, I have come to the conclusion that someone may have fallen on my cello while I wasn't looking after most guests were gone while my bandmate and I  were preparing to loud our gear out of the venue. This theory was confirmed by two luthier shops (violin making/repair shops) that this damaged happened from an extreme force of pressure onto the bridge, making the wood collapse and causing these huge cracks. This was not from poor treatment, the fluctuation of weather, or even from minor hit, like against a door frame or furniture. This occured from a huge hit, like someone falling on or kicking it in its case.

I know this damage was not done maliciously and this most definitely an accident. Unfortunately, there is not enough evidence to conclude who the culprit is, and there was not an insurance policy out on the cello.

The repairs to this damage are hefty. I am asking for help to cover the costs to fix it so I can continue to work, perform and teach on an amazingly beautiful and high-end instrument. With your help, I hope I can cover the final $1000 of this unexpect bill. These repairs include:

Top removal
Crack in bottom block
top Crack repairs (6 total)
removing and replacing the bass bar
Sound post patch and crack repair 

If you are compelled to help me in any way, anything and everything is appreciated. It has taken a lot for me to swallow my pride and ask for help with this situation.  My music career has been booming lately, and is about 40-50% of my income any given month. Because of this damage, I've had to cancel two studio recordings. Fortunately I have been able to borrow a cello for the live gigs I already had on my calendar, though it is not ideal. If you have seen me perform recently, then I do not need to tell you how much I love this cello, and how much it is a part of me. Friends old and new know that music is my calling, my life. It is confirmed with every performance I have when I get complimented and told by strangers how my music moved them. All I want to do is to fix this cello and continue making beautiful music on it.

Thank you! I am grateful of all monetary and non-monetary support during this difficult time.

And don't worry- after my cello is fully repaired, I am getting a new appraisal and getting instrument insurance!
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If you would like to know what I have been up to musically.

Listen to music played by Olivia

Listen to Little Star on Soundcloud 

Watch videos of Blas Meala

(5:45... cello solo!)