Support Finn's Choir Journey Through Europe

Hello Everyone, I’m Finn Ballard-Beach, a student at David Douglas High School.

Throughout my life, I’ve been involved in music. When I was 7, I started learning my first instrument, piano, and eventually broadened my lessons to include guitar and ukulele. At Floyd Light Middle School, I took a choir class, and immediately loved it. At the end of 6th grade, I received an invitation to join the Falconnaires, an invitation usually reserved for incoming 8th graders. As a freshman, I joined the choir and at the end of the first semester I was one of only two 9th graders who received an invitation to audition for a spot in the Concert Choir. I joined the Concert Choir in the spring semester, and we were able to go to State because we won 2nd place in our annual Mount Hood Conference.

Academically, I have a 4.0 GPA and take a full course load of advanced classes. Next year, I’m looking forward to pursuing business and culinary arts, in addition to AP classes. I am heavily involved in extracurricular activities. I played both on the JV2 basketball team and the JV golf team, serving as an alternate for Varsity golf. Not only that, but I’m a student leader in the DDHS Leadership program, contributing my time at school-wide events like spirit weeks, football games, and prom. Outside of school, I’m a member of Augustana Lutheran’s youth group and volunteer several times a year with different non-profits. My favorite volunteer activity is selecting books for the Books to Prisoners project.

Choir is where my heart is, I love the feeling of singing in a group and everyone coming together to create beautiful music. The David Douglas Choral Director, Mr. Christopher Silva, nominated me to participate in a statewide music program led by the Oregon Ambassadors of Music, and I have been invited to join the signature program event: performing in choral concerts around Europe. The mission of the Oregon Ambassadors of Music is to “share the love of life and peace through music making.” They have organized trips like these since 1995 and continue to be welcomed in many countries to share our music. This trip includes singing in the countries of France, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. The farthest I’ve traveled is to Hawaii, so being able to admire the beauty of Europe while also performing would be a tremendous honor.

Right now, the cost of this trip is beyond my reach, but I am motivated to achieve my funding goals. The cost of this trip is over $7000 (which is about as much as my braces!).

I’m asking for support for my choir journey. Any amount is appreciated and helps me get one step closer to my goal.