Send Zora to Interlochen

Zora got into Interlochen! As many of you know, this is a very competitive and expensive program, so she needs assistance in paying for attendence. Going to Interlochen will give her the competitive edge necessary to become a professional harpist.

Zora also has dreams of becoming a professional harpist but needs a harp at home to make these dreams come true. Since third grade, she has been using school harps to take lessons and practice. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, these harps are now inaccessible. As she is a senior this year, she has begun the process of auditioning for colleges. Campuses may continue to be shut down next year, however, so using a campus harp is not an option. Having her own harp would also allow her to begin taking jobs and gaining experience in the field.

"Over the last five years, I was given the opportunity to teach Zora Nelson the harp though Play On Philly, an el sistema based music program. Since teaching Zora, I have seen her commit to numerous weekly classes, rehearsals, and concerts for the program. Additionally, Zora plays harp with the All-Catholic School Orchestra and with the Temple Music Prep Youth Harp Ensemble. She also has participated with the Philadelphia Harp Chapter of the American Harp Society in their local events and recitals. Music is at the heart of Zora's high school experience and she is both committed and determined with her college audition preparation. Since the month of June, I have been giving Zora a weekly harp lesson as our program does not have the funds to provide the one-on-one instruction. I could not turn away such a promising young harpist. I would not do this for any student, but a student who is both committed and dedicated to their weekly practice for their harp lesson. Zora is a student I invest in because I know she will do great things with her musical future. She is a kind and generous student with ambitious dreams. Zora has been proactive with her musical resume and college application process. She has spent hours, weeks, and years preparing for her audition into college. From our weekly lesson, I know she has the skills to audition and attend the college of her choice. In our harp lessons, Zora is attentive to instruction and makes notes for weekly improvement on her music. Even when faced with a challenge, Zora gracefully accepts it and applies herself. I am so proud of her and how she has developed as a musician. Currently, Zora uses a harp from our program as she does not have a harp of her own and will need a harp of her own for her future career as a harpist. This has been a tough year for all of us and I would ask that you would consider giving to Zora's harp fund. No matter the amount given, it is an investment for Zora's future as a harpist. We appreciate your generosity as you support Zora's aspirations in music."
- Manijéh Pickard, Zora's teacher from 2016-Present

Zora's teachers know that this is something she needs and deserves:
"Zora is one of the most respectful and dedicated students I have ever taught. As someone who works in the musical field, I know how competitive it is and the grit it takes to succeed. Zora absolutely has the skills, personality, and attitude necessary to make a difference with her music, and I'm so excited to see how far she goes."
-Elizabeth Huston, Zora's teacher from 2012-2017