Donate to NOTES 2020 Today!

Hi everyone!

As many of you know, I play viola and am planning to continue professionally. A massive part of this decision, and frankly a massive part of my life, is the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO). It’s a multi-ensemble organization that features five orchestras, a brass choir, two percussion ensembles, and a chamber music program. Right now, we’re holding our annual fundraising campaign: NOTES, running from January 26th to April 5th. The donations fund keeping tuition affordable for all EYSO members and keeping the organization as flourishing as it is today.

Now, I joined EYSO only last year, so this is both my second and last year (I came late to the party), so I’m not asking to raise this money for my direct benefit, but for those who come after me in this orchestra- to give every student this experience is invaluable. EYSO goes beyond rehearsals and concerts, it’s a deeply educational program that dives into material hidden within the notes and rhythms. For instance, our concert season theme this year is MOVE. We’re learning about the connections between movement and music, and we’ve even gotten Luis Vasquez from the Joffrey ballet to come work with us as well as perform alongside us in our upcoming concert. Sure, we’ve had to do embarrassing improvisational dancing, but the community is so strong that when everyone pours their hearts into it, it is no longer embarrassing, but rather another mode of expression for the art. Already, my perspectives both upon art and life have been nurtured by this experience, and the NOTES campaign ensures that future students get the same opportunity.

Please, please, please consider donating to the NOTES campaign! I’m not joking when I say that every little bit helps. Whether it’s $5, $10, or more, every cent counts towards education. What I find outstanding about NOTES is that we’re not selling cookie dough or flowers, we’re simply expressing how much EYSO means to us and relying upon your faith in education to help us. Year after year, the communities surrounding our students have come through to provide for future students, and I hope you can do the same!

You can donate online by credit card through this campaign page, but if you prefer to donate through another method, please contact me directly. Once the campaign has ended, you’ll receive a donation acknowledgment from EYSO for tax purposes.

Thanks so much for your support, please feel free to reach out for more info!

Marina Akamatsu