Andrew needs a new French Horn

I had hoped that Andrew would do the ask, but he’s had a really rough few months and I think he feels overwhelmed by the challenges he’s facing right now.

Since Andrew could talk, he wanted musical instruments. His first asks were for a piano and guitar when he was 2 1/2. He has always loved music - especially classical music.

As Andrew got older, he became a great advocate for himself and his desire to play music. He went to Blue Lake on a scholarship for 4 years. He found himself a private horn teacher. He got a full ride to Interlochen summer camp and then an invitation and scholarship to attend Interlochen Arts Academy.

William Vermulen at Rice University has the most selective Horn program and Andrew was invited to attend for his undergraduate degree.

This past year, Andrew threw himself into the music program at Rice taking the maximum amount of credits and getting straight As. Near the end of the year, we were notified that we lost our financial aid. On top of that, the dorms are a lottery and Andrew lost the lottery and has to find housing in an expensive and limited area.

All this time, Andrew has been playing on a French Horn that is a beginner student horn that was given to him years ago. He needs to get a mid-level professional horn. Bill and I have committed to covering half the cost and Andrew is working multiple jobs this summer to earn as much as possible.

At this point, we are still trying to find housing and our many appeals for reinstating his financial aid have been denied. So, as much as we hate to ask, Andrew could use some help. He could use a boost in spirits for this next year.

The horn Andrew would like to purchase is a Houghton for $11,900. Professional horns range from $9,000 - $25,000.