Hi!

This is on behalf of my son and musician, Teddy. As you can see, music has lived in his soul since he was very young. Now that he's in high school and eventually headed for college with the intention of becoming a music educator, he has various needs for funding. Upcoming is the Pacific Basin Music Festival, held in Hawaii this coming March.

Additionally, Teddy's private instructor has suggested it is time for him to pick up yet another instrument. What do I mean by "yet another instrument," you ask? Well, he began by playing his grandmother's piano in first grade until he was gifted a keyboard in fifth grade; since then, he has picked up alto, tenor, and bari saxophones, with tenor sax as his main instrument; clarinet and bass clarinet; slide trombone; a variety of recorders; an ocarina (from the Legend of Zelda video game); a penny whistle; my great-grandmother's violin; my great-grandfather's classical guitar; and a ukulele.

Currently, he has been thinking about acquiring either a bari sax or soprano sax, but his private teacher says it is time for him to learn flute! Our now dubbed "Music room" is getting full!

All that said, the various music field trips through school in addition to his San Jose Jazz Summer Camps each summer, private lessons every week, and whatever other musical events or instruments come his way need more funding than our little household can provide.

I've spoken with Teddy, and he has agreed that for every contributor, you may choose either the instrument or the song, and he will play it for you; understand that he may need some extra time if you choose a song he doesn't know or an instrument not listed above. Also, if you contribute $50 or more, you may choose an additional song or instrument for every $50 increment. Yes, that means you could have your own private concert if you dig deep!

Truly though, every little bit helps Teddy, the musician, continue pursuing what he loves, and he will appreciate every contribution no matter how much you can manage.

With many thanks for your continued support in any and all forms,

Teddy and family