Help Reese represent WI as a Jr. Music All Star!

As you may know, I have an enormous passion for music. I have been playing piano for almost 8 years, saxophone for 3, and this past year have begun organ lessons. As a sixth and seventh grader, I received the highest possible score at our regional Wisconsin Solo and Ensemble festivals for piano and I advanced to the state competition at UW Stevens Point this past year where I also earned the highest possible score. It was quite an honor! I also accompany violinists and my school choir for recitals and concerts. In addition, my church (Ascension Lutheran, Minocqua) has graciously used a portion of its endowment to allow me to learn organ so I can accompany and someday lead worship services. I’m also attending a weeklong Junior Badger music clinic at UW Madison this June which I am looking forward to. So you see, music is important to me and also a ton of fun! I don’t share all of this to boast, but rather to truly demonstrate my commitment to music and how much I enjoy it. I am grateful for the many gifts and opportunities I’ve been given. Because of my musicianship, character, and work ethic, my music teacher at school, Mr. Chris Wills, nominated me to be a part of the Junior All Stars of Music and represent the state of Wisconsin on a musical and cultural education trip to Oahu, Hawaii next summer, July 2024. Before departure, I will have the privilege to study alto saxophone under Dr. Alexander Gonzalez, Assistant Director of Bands at UW Madison. A small group of middle school musicians, vocalists, orchestra students, teachers and I will travel to Hawaii where we will perform and explore local culture and Polynesian music. As a history fanatic, specifically World War II, I am extremely honored that I will be taking part in a ceremony at the USS Missouri at Pearl Harbor. My fellow musicians and I will perform and participate in a flag-folding ceremony. I am humbled at the opportunity to use my musical gifts and military appreciation to commemorate those who either served or lost their lives at Pearl Harbor. We will also be performing at the Polynesian Cultural Center. In addition, I will have the chance to have some fun soaking up the local culture and cuisine by spending time at Waikiki Beach, hiking to Waimea Falls and the Diamond Head State Monument, visiting the Dole pineapple plantation, viewing the Halona blowhole and beach, exploring the Kualoa Valley (where Jurassic Park was filmed!), snorkeling in the Kahana Bay, and even taking part in a traditional Luau! I love and value music, and I feel blessed to have any chance to share my gifts and enthusiasm. I hope that experiences like this will continue to develop my character and personal, as well as, musical growth. My goal is to raise $3,655, and even though the trip is not until next summer, I must begin making payments by September which is why I am beginning to raise funds now. I plan to ask for direct support through donations, obtain more babysitting and odd jobs (call me if you have any work I can do for YOU!), receive financial assistance from my family, and when I turn 14 in March I plan to work (I’m hoping at Papa Murphy’s!) and set money aside. I sincerely appreciate any donation you are willing to consider. Please feel free to email me with any questions about my trip or experiences. I would love to share any information with you or talk about music! I will proudly represent you and the state of Wisconsin both in Hawaii and in any future musical endeavors! Thank you for your consideration, Reese Breitholtz Program website:https://www.allstarsofmusic.com/jr-high.html

*Update - thanks to generous cash donations I have lowered the amount needed on go fund me! Thanks for the continued support!

*Update 6/26/23 - Yet again the support is amazing! We lowered the amount on go fund me due to cash donations! Thank you so much!!