Donate to EYSO through our 2022 NOTES Fundraising Campaign!

Hi all,

Wow -- I can't believe another year has come and gone since the last time I found myself writing a NOTES Campaign story! Much has happened since the 2021 Myths and Legends season, and now, more than ever, your donation would mean supporting one of my favorite musical opportunities.

Last year, despite dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, EYSO persevered, offering their normal programming in an in-person environment; it was also my first year in the flagship Youth Symphony under the direction of Artistic Director Matthew Sheppard. As anyone who's spoken to me about EYSO will know, I adored it. Mr. Sheppard has an absolutely scintillating personality, and the music I was able to perform (ranging from Nielsen's "Helios" Overture to Philip Glass' 4th Symphony "Heroes") made the difference in deciding to carry music into my future.

However, much has changed since 2021! Now, the EYSO is back to offering full capacity orchestral experiences, in-person performances, and the priceless education they're known for. In our "Flipped" season, I've gotten to perform some of my orchestral dreams, like Shostakovich's Monumental 5th Symphony and Wagner's Prelude to Tristan und Isolde; all of this music is interlaced with close friendships, meaningful life lessons, and a deep appreciation for art as a whole. These experiences have made a tangible difference in my life, and any student who joins an EYSO program is guaranteed to grow both as a musician, and more importantly, as a person.

That's why I'm asking for donations today. In order to offer these invaluable opportunities to students from a wide range of backgrounds, EYSO needs to raise funds from supporters -- people like you and me -- and ensure a legacy of high-quality music and education. Any amount is appreciated, and I can't thank you enough for supporting a group that has influenced an entire era of my life. If you have any questions or general comments, please reach out to me -- I'd love to talk. Otherwise, I hope to see you at our Through the Looking Glass concert on May 8th and at many EYSO concerts in the future!

With gratitude,
Luke Fosdick


*Here's a clip of the Youth Symphony from our November concert!