Indy Mensa Article!

Indy Mensa, which I am proud to be a member of, has published a really neat blog post about my upcoming adventure. I hope you will take your time to read it!

kids.indymensa.org/wp3/about-us/featured-members

Thanks so much for all the encouragement and kind words. They mean so much to me!

Sponsorship from The House!

I received a sponsorship today from Indiana State Representative David Frizzell! This is the second government official that I have received a contribution from! I am extremely grateful, and continue to be amazed by the willingness of all these wonderful donors! Hopefully, I will hear back from even more of the people that I sent letters to in the following weeks leading up to my trip!

Senate Sponsorship!

Today, I received a response letter from none other than Indiana Senator Brent Waltz. I am very honored and grateful. When I sent the letters to the government officials, I knew that the chances of them of them sponsoring me was not that incredibly high. I had letters from several other officials which contained their congratulations, but stated that their organizations prohibited them from contributing. While I am still very thankful for hearing back from them and reading their letters, I was very surprised to receive a contribution from Senator Waltz. It really raised my spirits and gave me hope that I can still manage to get all of the funds I need to make this trip happen.

I am very thankful for all of the donations I have received (I will get a total published later as the numbers get more accurate), and continue to try to find ways to raise and earn money (i.e. by snow shoveling, raking and lawn-mowing, etc). I send my sincerest thanks to everyone who has contributed and to all those that have sent me their congratulations. Your support is the only way that this trip will be made possible. Thank you all so very much. 

Musically,

Nick

Southside Times News Feature

T-97 days and counting

Southside Times Sound of America Article

I had the good fortune to be interviewed by a journalist from Southside Times, and they subsequently published this article highlighting my musical accomplishments. Feel free to check it out and share it with family and friends!

SOA Letter

T-98 days and counting


I am a sophomore at Perry Meridian High School where I have been a member of many performing ensembles during my high school career, such as Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Winter Drumline, and Pit Orchestra. In addition to that, I have been a member of many Indiana Bandmasters Association Honor Bands over the past 4 years, such as All-Region Honor Band, All-District Honor Band, and Indiana All-State Band. Not only am I an accomplished student musician, but am also a strong academic student. I am an AP and Honors student, and have managed to maintain a GPA of 4.2.

Just recently, I received notice that I have been admitted as one of the few privileged musicians selected from all across the United States to perform with the prestigious SOUND OF AMERICA Honor Band and Chorus 2013 European Concert Band Tour. This group will perform eleven concerts in 6 different countries: Germany, Austria, Italy, France, Switzerland, and Luxembourg during the twenty-three day tour this summer from June 27th - July 22nd.

           

Each musician must pay his own expenses, which totals approximately $7,500. My parents and I are working very hard to make this wonderful dream become a reality for me, but we are seeking financial assistance to help offset the program costs. This is an experience that will allow me to perform in some of the most esteemed concert halls of Europe. If you could possibly make a contribution to assist me in this once-in-a-lifetime cultural opportunity, I would be extremely grateful. Any amount you can offer will help cover some of the expenses of this extraordinary honor.

Please make your check payable directly to:

Nick Turo-Shields

622 W. Valley View Dr.

Indianapolis, IN 46217

For those individuals or businesses that prefer to make a tax-deductible donation, please see the following for the details.

For anyone who would like to follow the influence of their contributions, I will create a blog that I will publish online for all to see (including a list of all individual and business donors). I will journal and post my photos during and after my trip. I can assure you that your generosity will make a profound influence on my life, which will be reflected in my photography and writing. If you would like to check out more of what this fine organization has to offer, log on to www.soundofamerica.org for more information.

When I began playing my bassoon 4 years ago, I would have never expected that I would have such a unique opportunity to perform abroad with such an extraordinary ensemble. With your help, I have a chance to proudly and honorably represent not only Indianapolis and the State of Indiana, but also the United States on this stellar concert tour.

           

If you have any questions for me, I can be contacted by email at nts17@comcast.net, or by phone at

(317) 847-2334. You may call or text, whatever is most convenient for you. I openly accept all inquiries, comments or suggestions.

Thank you very much for your consideration and support of my exciting endeavor.

Sincerely,

                   Nick Turo-Shields

Tax-Deductible Donations

The Sound of America, Inc. is registered with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the US IRS as a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation. All donations made directly to SOA can be filed as a tax deduction. If this is an option that you choose, please understand that in the unlikely event that I am unable to make the trip, donations cannot be returned since the contribution is made to the organization in order to serve as a tax-deduction. Any donation made on my behalf to The Sound of America will then be awarded to me in the form of a scholarship. Checks should be mailed to me, and in turn, I will forward them to SOA.

Please make your tax-deductible donation directly payable to:

The Sound of America

(Please write “donation” in the memo and do not include my name anywhere on the check)

Please send your check to:

Nick Turo-Shields

622 W. Valley View Dr.

Indianapolis, IN 46217

Passport!

T-100 Days and counting.

I just got my passport today. My picture looks kinda weird, but I'll get a new one in 5 years, so I'll just have to tough it out till then. Each step closer I get to the trip gets me more and more excited. I'm getting lots of contributions, and have neared the $3,000 mark. My goal is about $7,500-$8,000. I am very grateful for all the donations I've received, because each gets me closer to my target. I hope that each person that has helped me in any way knows how much their assistance means to me.

Sincerely,
Nick

The Wait is Killing Me...........

The acceptance process is on hold because they still need to receive one more recommendation letter from the four that they require. I have high hopes about being accepted and getting to go on the tour this summer, but I still can't stand all this waiting! JUST GET THE LETTER IN ALREADY!