Kevin - The man, the myth, the monetarily challenged:
I'm Kevin. A student/musician/conductor living in Philadelphia, PA. I grew up in Indiana, where I found my passion for music early on, and decided to pursue that passion as a career.
Throughout my studies, I've heard friends speak of various programs, workshops, and festivals that they've participated in overseas. I've always been interested in such opportunities, but have never had the time or money to pursue them.
Recently, I was approached with the opportunity of a lifetime: a chance to travel to Italy, study conducting with Simon Carrington, and conduct a performance in a beautiful Italian theater. Needless to say, this isn't really an opportunity that you say "no" to.
I'm all signed up and ready to go, except for one minor detail... money! A trip to Italy, as I'm sure you're aware, is quite pricey. I've been able to make the cheapest arrangements available, but am in a bit of a bind financially. Any contribution that you are able to make will be appreciated, and will go towards furthering my educational, cultural, and professional experience.
About the Workshop
The workshop that I'll be attending is the Sarteano Choral Conducting Workshop in Sarteano, Italy. Each day is broken up into two sections. The first is a morning session, where professionals in the field will present on topics including vocal pedagogy, rehearsal technique, and ensemble motivation. Each afternoon, an extensive conducting masterclass will be held, where each conductor (of which there are 10) will have the chance to interact with Simon Carrington, a highly regarded figure in the field of choral conducting. The workshop culminates in a performance at the Teatro di Sarteano (pictured above), a portion of which will be conducted by yours truly!
Link to Sarteano Workshop
The money
I'm going to be specific, so that you know your money isn't going to fund any extraneous spending habits.
Expenses:
- $925 tuition fee - this covers required music, podium/lesson time with Mr. Carrington, and admission to daily educational sessions
- $760 lodging expense - this covers 10 nights in a hotel ($76 a night), and also includes 2 meals a day (breakfast and dinner)
- $1000 travel expense - I was able to find cheap flights, as well as reasonable train prices
The Perks
Since there isn't a physical product associated with this campaign, I've had to get creative with these:
- $10 donation - Personalized "thank-you" poem, sent via email (please include your email in the comments).
- $25 donation - Phone-serenade, featuring the lovely Amanda Hawkins and me (please send me your phone number if I don't have it).
- $50 donation - 1-minute, personalized song for voice and guitar, recorded and sent via email (please include your email in the comments, as well as any suggested subjects for your song).
- $100 donation - 2-minute, personalized song, fully produced and recorded, sent via email (please include your email in the comments, as well as any suggested subject/genre for your song).
- $200 donation - Fully choreographed performance of a personalized song, uploaded to Youtube for the world to see.
- $500 donation - "Beard/Hair Dictator" Reward. You decide what my hair and facial hair will look like for a MONTH (beginning August 15th). No tampering with eyebrows/eyelashes, but everything else is fair game. This includes all other perks stated above. (please send email, phone number, subject/genre for song, and hair/facial hair style requests).
Your Impact on My Life
The benefits of this program reach far beyond the daily educational sessions and conducting masterclasses. This is a chance for me to become a part of a network of professional musicians from around the world. These are the types of events at which doors are opened, and lives are changed. Your contribution, no matter how large or small, will be greatly appreciated.
If You Can't Contribute Any Money
I completely understand. After all, I'm the one ASKING for money. I would appreciate any exposure you can give to my campaign so that others who are able can contribute.
Feel free to share my URL on facebook, twitter, or anywhere else: igg.me/at/kevinitaly