During my nine years with Music for All, I have had the absolute pleasure to witness over 1 million students go through Music for All programming. Their experiences with Music for All have been part of their journey for excellence in personal development, ensemble achievement, leadership, teamwork, and the creation of art.
In my current role at Music for All, I work to raise money through sponsorships, grants, and through donations from individuals like you. Thanks to you, we are able to help support and sustain our current programming, but even more importantly, to further Music for All’s vision to ensure that EVERY child across America has access and opportunity to engage in active music-making in their scholastic environment.
I’m here, not only as an employee of Music for All but as an active donor myself, because I believe 100% that the experiences and life skills that students receive through music education (and Music for All programming) are not only important, but essential in helping to create a better world full of people who have empathy for each other and know how to work together toward a common goal.
On #GivingTuesday, and throughout the end of this year, I urge you to consider showing your support of Music for All through a donation to the 2019 Music for All Summer Symposium Scholarship Fund.
I’d like to share an excerpt from a “thank you” letter that we received from a past Summer Symposium Scholarship recipient. Trinity is able to put her experience into words in a way I cannot of why these experiences are so important.
“I’d like to thank you for the Scholarship to Summer Symposium. I learned many valuable things. Not only did it provide me with the opportunity to have an insight into college life, but I also was provided with lessons that I will be able to use for the rest of my life. The teachers and even the SWAGs inspired me to pursue what I want in college. They taught me that it’s okay to be different and that no matter where you go, there will always be someone to challenge you.
I was also having trouble deciding what colleges to apply for. Seeing the Ball State campus and students enjoying their time there makes me want to apply even more. Going to Summer Symposium helped me stop being afraid of college and learn to embrace the opportunities that come with it.
Not only did I discover all these things, but I also discovered myself. When I came to the Symposium for the first time I was very introverted and insecure. This place and all these people helped me come out of my shell, to become more confident in myself and my decision-making. The people taught me many valuable things, but out of everything, the most valuable concept I learned was to be a leader.
Being a leader has helped me become more than just a listener. It has taught me to follow what I believe, speak my opinion, and be committed in every aspect of life. This leadership is a skill that is helpful in school, but in real life as well. Leadership has assisted in overcoming my anxiety. I don’t let anxiety hold me back anymore. For this, and for everything else, I thank you.”
– Trinity, Summer Symposium Scholarship Recipient
Please help us ensure that even more students, like Trinity, can have these types of experiences that will set them up for success for the rest of their lives.
In 2018 alone, Music for All programs reached more than 144,000 participants. If even 25% of those who participated this year each donated $5 that would be $180,000 that we could raise to help provide access and opportunity to more students across the country.
If music education has been an important part of your and your family’s life… pay it forward this holiday season. $5, $10, $15 – any amount can make a difference and help make sure someone else has the same opportunity that you did.
If you can’t give monetarily this year, you can still give. I’d love to hear from you about how being involved with Music for All has impacted your life. Email me and share your story! Even better, consider sharing that story online as well and encourage your friends and family to donate this holiday season.
Wishing you the very best this Holiday season,
For #GivingTuesday 2018, all donations received from 8:00 a.m. ET (5:00 a.m. PT) on Tuesday, November 27th, 2018 through Facebook Fundraising will be matched by Facebook and Paypal. The matching offer will expire when $7 million in donations is reached or at 11:59 p.m. PT on November 27th. The button above will take you to Music for All’s Fundraising Page on Facebook.
If you would like to support Music for All, but do not want to use the Facebook platform, you can also make a donation directly through Music for All’s website (this will not be counted toward the Facebook/Paypal match but is certainly appreciated).
