Help Josh Pursue His Music Dreams!
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Who Is Josh Lesperance?
Josh Lesperance is a student at Saugeen Shores District Secondary School, and a gifted musician. He has been accepted to the prestigious Eastman School of Music in New York. Only 13% of applicants to this program are accepted each year.
Josh has been passionate about music since first picking up a tuba in elementary school. Since then, he has dedicated countless hours to music lessons, rehearsals, and high-level band performances. At times, he has heard people say that it’s not realistic for someone to pursue music as a career option. However, Josh’s passion for music can not be extinguished, and he remains committed to making this his life’s work. In Josh's words:
"We all have many dreams and wishes, and usually we don’t expect them to come true. That is why we call them dreams. But this is the chance to make my dream come true, and I don’t want financial restrictions to get in the way of that. This is a unique and prestigious opportunity and, for a kid from a small community to be offered such a position, is an incredible honour."
You can read more about Josh’s journey in these news articles:
https://saugeentimes.com/a-chance-to-take-on-destiny-and-realize-a-dream/
https://saugeentimes.com/not-the-last-youll-hear-of-this-young-man/
You can read about SPECTACULAR!, an upcoming concert fundraiser for Josh, here:
https://saugeenshoreshub.ca/arts/4957-spectacular-fundraising-event.html
Why Did You Choose To Organize This Fundraiser?
I am a friend of the Lesperance family, and a teacher at the elementary school that Josh attended. I have followed Josh’s musical journey with keen interest, and have watched his talent, dedication, and passion for music grow. As a high school student, I was awarded a music scholarship that allowed me opportunities I would not otherwise have had. It instilled in me a deep appreciation for the arts, and for preserving arts education for our children. I believe that a child so deeply dedicated to the arts should be given the help they need to pursue their dreams.
What Is The Eastman School of Music?
The Eastman School of Music is one of the top universities for music in North America and one of the most recognized schools worldwide. It is a small conservatory with a strict focus on all aspects of music. It provides small classes and the ability to have individual instruction on a regular basis. As well, there are many opportunities for performance and collaboration with others, and the school is committed to creating a challenging, yet supportive learning environment.
Why Is This Fundraiser Needed?
Unfortunately, the cost of attending such a prestigious arts institution is steep - much steeper than that of a typical university program. Josh has received a merit scholarship and is working part-time to help offset the cost. He is applying to any scholarships and loans for which he is eligible; unfortunately, many of these are available only to students attending Canadian schools. His family is doing absolutely everything they can to contribute to his journey financially. However, a large amount of his tuition and educational expenses remain uncovered. Josh has been given the opportunity of a lifetime. Such opportunities should not be strictly for the wealthy elite. Ours is a community that rallies to help our children be the very best they can be. Josh has worked hard to chase his music dreams. Let's rally and help Josh's dreams of a continuing music education come true!
Josh Lesperance is a student at Saugeen Shores District Secondary School, and a gifted musician. He has been accepted to the prestigious Eastman School of Music in New York. Only 13% of applicants to this program are accepted each year.
Josh has been passionate about music since first picking up a tuba in elementary school. Since then, he has dedicated countless hours to music lessons, rehearsals, and high-level band performances. At times, he has heard people say that it’s not realistic for someone to pursue music as a career option. However, Josh’s passion for music can not be extinguished, and he remains committed to making this his life’s work. In Josh's words:
"We all have many dreams and wishes, and usually we don’t expect them to come true. That is why we call them dreams. But this is the chance to make my dream come true, and I don’t want financial restrictions to get in the way of that. This is a unique and prestigious opportunity and, for a kid from a small community to be offered such a position, is an incredible honour."
You can read more about Josh’s journey in these news articles:
https://saugeentimes.com/a-chance-to-take-on-destiny-and-realize-a-dream/
https://saugeentimes.com/not-the-last-youll-hear-of-this-young-man/
You can read about SPECTACULAR!, an upcoming concert fundraiser for Josh, here:
https://saugeenshoreshub.ca/arts/4957-spectacular-fundraising-event.html
Why Did You Choose To Organize This Fundraiser?
I am a friend of the Lesperance family, and a teacher at the elementary school that Josh attended. I have followed Josh’s musical journey with keen interest, and have watched his talent, dedication, and passion for music grow. As a high school student, I was awarded a music scholarship that allowed me opportunities I would not otherwise have had. It instilled in me a deep appreciation for the arts, and for preserving arts education for our children. I believe that a child so deeply dedicated to the arts should be given the help they need to pursue their dreams.
What Is The Eastman School of Music?
The Eastman School of Music is one of the top universities for music in North America and one of the most recognized schools worldwide. It is a small conservatory with a strict focus on all aspects of music. It provides small classes and the ability to have individual instruction on a regular basis. As well, there are many opportunities for performance and collaboration with others, and the school is committed to creating a challenging, yet supportive learning environment.
Why Is This Fundraiser Needed?
Unfortunately, the cost of attending such a prestigious arts institution is steep - much steeper than that of a typical university program. Josh has received a merit scholarship and is working part-time to help offset the cost. He is applying to any scholarships and loans for which he is eligible; unfortunately, many of these are available only to students attending Canadian schools. His family is doing absolutely everything they can to contribute to his journey financially. However, a large amount of his tuition and educational expenses remain uncovered. Josh has been given the opportunity of a lifetime. Such opportunities should not be strictly for the wealthy elite. Ours is a community that rallies to help our children be the very best they can be. Josh has worked hard to chase his music dreams. Let's rally and help Josh's dreams of a continuing music education come true!
Organizer and beneficiary
Tabitha Burridge
Organizer
Port Elgin, ON
Trish Lesperance
Beneficiary
