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
