Support Rook's College Choir Trip to Spain

Hello! My name is Rook Bazinet.

I am a future music educator attending the Hartt School at the University of Hartford. I am in the Honors Program, double majoring in Vocal Performance and Music Education. This five-year program is incredibly intensive, and nearly all semesters are at maximum credit load to facilitate timely completion.

Throughout my high school career, I maintained high honors and performed in many choral ensembles, including the MMEA All-State Festival. Once COVID-19 hit, I was no longer able to perform with my peers. After graduating high school in 2021, I made the difficult decision to delay my college education with the intent of maturing and saving funds. I lived on my own for three years, working full-time and paying bills.

Now, I have returned to school with an increased respect and gratitude for my education. I continue to maintain honors in addition to participating in two extracurricular ensembles. I am currently studying under Met Opera baritone, Kyle Pfortmiller.

I had to give up my full-time job when I started college. Through hard work, I earned an academic scholarship covering most of my college expenses. I have to put what I have in savings to fund the rest of my college career with extremely little help from my parents.

This spring, my choir will be touring Spain to perform at the University of Barcelona, among other venues. This incredible opportunity would allow me to network internationally, learn about a new culture, gain a broader understanding of music and its history, and, most importantly, give me a competitive edge against students without international musical experience.

I don’t want to be the student in the choir who missed out on this opportunity because they didn’t have the money to go. While I’m uncomfortable asking, I am turning to this platform for help. In the meantime, I am continuing to find creative ways to fund this trip by finding odd jobs on campus.

Because this tour is booked through a private company and not through the UHart Study Abroad department, financial aid is not available. I am humbly asking for donations to help me reach my goal.

COST BREAKDOWN

If I don’t meet my fundraising goal, I will not be able to go on this trip with my choir. In that situation, any funds received will be put directly toward school expenses or saved to fund a choir trip at another point in my college career.

They say you have to work hard to meet your goals, and I believe that is true. I’ve worked so incredibly hard and sacrificed a lot to get into my dream college program. It would mean a lot to help me stay on the same playing field with the rest of the choir, who will be attending this program in the summer. If you got this far, thank you so much for reading. <3