Jeremiah's Cello Fund

     I want to personally thank you for your continued support of my journey as an artist, arts ambassador and educator. I have successfully completed my Bachelor of Music degree in string performance from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Now, I am pursuing an exciting internship and opportunity with Dissonance Dance Theatre in Washington, D.C., where I will study contemporary ballet and afro-modern dance under the direction of Shawn Short. I ask that you continue to support me as I strive to be a blessing to my community and share the benefits of the performing arts with the world. This fund will assist me in purchasing a cello of my own as I study in Washington D.C.

The call to Cello- 

     I was introduced to strings when I was in the 8th grade. The strings teacher at the local middle school came to my art class recruiting for the strings program. The instructor had played 'The Simpsons' theme song on the Viola. It was honestly the coolest thing I had ever heard. I was totally hooked. Initially, I had started on the piano then switched to the string bass. Neither grasped my attention for more than a few months. As I attended my first all schools orchestra, I (then in the bass section) was knowingly dissatisfied with the bass, and longed to switch instruments. But, which one? The violin? No, too many people were playing it. The viola? No, I actually couldn't tell the difference between it and the violin. As I observed the cello section, the cellist were cascading up and down the fingerboard. The sound the instrument made seemed as if it was calling out to me. "Pick Me, Pick Me, Pick Me!" And, from the first time I touched a cello my life has never been the same.

     Upon attending high school, I continued in the strings program, which consisted of a small and intimate chamber ensemble. The ensemble contained two or three violins, a viola, a cello or two and a few basses. I absolutely adored playing along with my fellow school musicians. Soon, my teacher noticed my outstanding growth (despite not having a private tutor) and realized I needed much more of a challenge. By my 10th grade year I had received a cello as a gift from a Knoxville Symphony Orchestra cellist and became part of the Knoxville Youth Symphony Orchestra program. There, I would continue to grow and ultimately connect with Dr. Wesley Baldwin, Professor of Cello at The University of Tennessee Knoxville. I started studying with Dr. Baldwin on a regular basis when I entered his studio at The University of Tennessee.

     However, during my junior year in college my personal cello was stolen out of my apartment. Unable to afford the steep price of another cello, I was forced to play on any borrowed instrument that I could. Ultimately, graduating with a degree but without an instrument in hand.

     Still, I haven't given up on my dreams. I will push forward and continue chasing my dream of becoming a soloist. After consulting with my cello professor, Dr. Baldwin, we have agreed that this would be the best investment for me.

     Already, I have obtained $1,000 from supporters who want to invest in my future. Your help in reaching my final goal will be greatly appreciated. Sincerly, I thank you for all of your love and good wishes.

- Jeremiah Welch

Cello (Cleveland Violin Shop): $8,000
Bow (Carbon Fiber): $800
Hard Case: (from Craigslist): $700
Strings for one year: $116
Insurance for one year: $522

Total: $10,138
Support received:  $1,000
Needed to reach goal: $9,138







Also, please add me on Facebook. 
https://www.facebook.com/jeremiah.welch.75

And, check out an amazing articles of my story. http://www.gardenspices.org/2015/07/visionary-jeremiah-welch/

http://www.knoxmercury.com/2015/09/09/the-buskers-of-knoxville/