This choir is extraordinary. It is directed by Julia K. House, a fabulously talented individual. They are on a mission to educate the world that beautiful, moving music doesn't have to be foreign to be wonderful. They sing only American-composed, a Capella pieces, and have toured to Italy, Scotland, and other locales.
This fall marks my third year singing with this group, and I am ecstatic to be a part! We are traveling to Berlin, Vienna, Prague, and Budapest, with a few more stops along the way. Our trip dates from the flight there on May 30th to the flight home on June 8th. I have never been out of the country, and I am in stitches to have this opportunity! If you know me (which you have a good chance of if you are here), you know that I have always loved singing and I am planning on making it a major part of my life.
As you know, this pass does not come cheap. Thankfully, this is far less expensive than any of us expected: the total trip estimate is about $3,500! This includes everything we can possibly think of. Air fare, cab costs, tips to drivers, lodging at various hotels, breakfasts, dinners, tickets to museums, tips to museum guides, and nearly anything else you can imagine. The only things not covered are lunches, drinks, and souveniers. That's it!! And that price is only with the 42 people currently going, and as we can all guess, the more that go, the lower the price will be.
As most of you might know, I am starting my first semester in college this fall. Unfortunately, I am not eligible for any of the scholarships that I applied for. We're scraping, and with a little donation from a loved one, we are just able to pull off paying for this semester. I'm trying to find a part or full time job to save up money for this trip, and help pay back my parents. But it will still prove difficult, being a full time student and possibly working full time, so I am humbly asking for your help.
I'm rounding costs to be safe, and with spending, I have totaled everything to four thousand dollars. I have to be paid in full by the end of April, and I am "officially" starting my countdown the first of August! I have eight months to raise the money, so that equals out to $500 a month. I am putting in as much money as I can, and with my parents paying for this semester and probably helping with next semester as well, they won't be able to help much.
I have this wonderful chance to travel to the largest music capitols in the world, and do what I love and do best: sing! I am asking you as a friend, family member, or just a kind soul, please help me live this dream.
I have a PayPal, and that would probably be the safest way to transfer donations. Please contact me via the email shown in my profile, or donate through the PayPal button (right sidebar). I truly appreciate your help, and please spread the word! It's a smaller way to make a wish come true.
Yours,
Marissa
