Support Annen's musical growth at Interlochen Arts Camp

Hi everyone! My name is Annen Johnson. I'm a fifteen year old freshman at Lincoln College Prep in KCMO. This is a fundraiser to support a portion of my tuition at the Interlochen Arts Camp this coming summer. In addition to my family's support and and my own financial contribution, I am hoping my community can support me with the remaining 25% of the tuition. This will help me greatly grow my skill as a musician and help me achieve my dream of playing professionally in a symphony.

Living in Kansas City my whole life has taught me a lot, but above all else it has given me a great appreciation for the arts. Growing up around amazing organizations like the KC Symphony and incredible spaces for creation like the Nelson-Atkins and Kauffman Center, the arts are a huge source of inspiration and passion in my life. Thanks to the efforts of so many fantastic musicians, teachers, and organizations such as Mrs. Callie Garber, Mr. Kasey Wasson, Mrs. Valarie Bell, Ms. Selene Hernandez, and the Harmony Project of Kansas City, I have been able to find love and passion for the double bass and performance on it.

I started on the bass in sixth grade and since then have loved every second of learning, growing, and experiencing all of the beauty and spectacle that can result when music is created. Music to me is a whole meshing of all the best things -- joy, passion, and beauty -- and by helping me experience those things, it has largely shaped me as a person.

Last summer, I had the immense privilege to attend the Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan. This was a truly once in a lifetime experience. I still can't comprehend how fortunate I was to be able to go. Interlochen was a top experience in my life. It's compatible to Disney World for someone that loves music the way I do: It's the happiest place on Earth. It's my dream to play professionally in a symphony. Leaving Interlochen last summer, I felt I had grown and learned so much that this dream was now realistic for me. I was so inspired and I can't wait to go back and grow even more.

The proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards my tuition for the six-week High School session at Interlochen, widely regarded as a top program nationally and even globally. I hope to have the opportunity to attend, experience, and grow even more than I did last year. Thank you for helping make this dream a reality.