Sitka & Italy Summer Music Festivals

Hello friends and family! My name is Hannah Shute, and I am a fourth year cello performance major at University of North Florida. This summer I will be attending the Sitka International Cello Seminar (which only accepts ten cellists per year) in Alaska and the Brancaleoni International Music Festival in Piobbico, Italy. Unfortunately, my father fell ill last November; after many tiring hospital visits, his condition is finally improving, but his medical bills have exceeded $20,000, leaving our family with a huge financial burden. We are now unable to afford the costs of these two summer programs.

So far, I have played in church services, performed at weddings, and applied for music scholarships. I’ve received $3,500 in scholarships for the summer and $1000 from a generous donor. However, the cost of these camps still exceeds what I have earned.

After college, my long term goals include obtaining a master’s degree, joining a symphony orchestra or chamber group, and teaching music. I had quite a successful junior year, earning a spot on the Dean’s list and becoming UNF’s Presser scholar, getting interviewed on the news twice (First Coast News and Action News Jax), and holding a solo junior recital .

During the school year, I get the opportunity to have weekly lessons, perform in master classes, and play in various ensembles. However, once the summer begins, it’s more difficult to get one-on-one teaching, and music festivals are a great way to become a better musician. I’m immensely grateful for the opportunity to go to these music festivals to hone my skills and develop as a musician.

This is why I’ve created this GoFundMe fundraiser. Any amount of money would be wonderful, and even a dollar or two would help. You’re welcome to donate any amount you feel comfortable with.

You can also contribute via Venmo @Hannah-Shute-1. I'll also update everyone on how the festivals are going.  I hope you take some time to listen to me play, and I will upload my performances from Sitka and Brancaleoni for you to hear me play the cello and perform with other professional musicians from around the world. Thank you!

Links:

First Coast News Interview
https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/unf-cellist-receives-high-honors-as-part-of-ten-chosen-around-the-world/77-de7bc8ad-01bf-4c17-ae94-7c81366cb910

Channel 4 Action News Jax Interview
https://www.news4jax.com/video/unf-student-wins-music-award?fbclid=IwAR0PNfXBKI275STwlI1xp20Km3o7pyL9pn7QLde2nRHJv7aC159DcMrSvMY

Junior Recital Dvorak Silent Woods
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epelRGV7QvM

Sitka International Cello Seminar
https://sitkamusicfestival.org/sitka-cello-seminar/

Brancaleoni International Music Festival
https://www.brancaleonifestival.com/