Send Joshua to Nief-Norf!

Joshua A. Weinberg is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

Hello friends, family, and strangers.

Who am I?
My name is Joshua Weinberg (if you didn't know that already, which would be strange since you clicked this link on my Facebook). I am a freelance flutist, harpist, and composer in Minneapolis, MN. I currently perform with Renegade Ensemble, Atemlos, and Grand Symphonic Winds. I've performed as a guest musician with Zeitgeist, Spitting Image Collective, and the Contemporary Undercurrent of Song Project. I have just begun my career as a professional musician since graudating from Saint Olaf College in Spring 2015, and have had many uphill battles financially. Apart from freelancing as a musician, I also work part-time at the ticket office of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, as an Audience Services Liasion at the O'Shaughnessy Theater at St. Kate's University, and as a barista at SIP coffee bar in NE Minneapolis. I work 7 days a week, and have still found it difficult to save any sort of income for special opportunities such as the one I was just granted this December.

(Here is a clip of me performing Takemitsu's "Voice" at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts)

What opportunity?
I have the wonderful opportunity to return to this exciting little place called nief-norf Summer Festival this June. Nief-norf is a submersive contemporary chamber music festival located in Knoxville, TN. The two-week festival brings together composer, performers, and educators for performances and conversations about contemporary music. Last year I attended as a performance fellow, and have met some of the most amazing individuals which have led to some really exciting collaborartions this year; including the debut of a chamber duo that nief-norf alumna Allie Porter (soprano) and I formed after our experience at the festival last summer.

Here is our performance of Kate Soper's piece "Only the Words Themselves Mean What They Say" at least year's festival:

Why is this opportunity important?
This isn't only an educational experience, but it is also a professional networking experience. I have made friends for life, and hope to reconnect with former norfers, as well as make new connections and friends this year. I also get to listen to so much amazing music and hear from professionals from across the globe about their lives, work, and opportunities, AND learn from some of the leading performers in the contemporary music field.

(Photo by Emory Hensley)

Why do I need funding?
Although the festival is a great experience, it also costs money and as it is relatively new and young, there is limited financial aid. Currently, the tuition cost is $2150 (which includes an Alumni discount). I have been awarded a travel assistance stipend of $150 bringing the cost of tuition down to $2000. I will have to purchase a plane ticket on my own which will cost around $450 for roundtrip airfare from MSP to TN. I am hoping that I will at least be able to cover my tuition costs. If there is any excess of funds, it will be going towards my travel expenses.

Thank you!
I really appreciate the time it took you to read through this! And with your generosity and support for this project, I hope that I can make it back to nief-norf Summer Festival 2017!