Galen's first step towards a career in music

Hi, my name is Galen Mckenna. Ever since I picked out an instrument during in sixth grade Ive been playing and playing. I love music and it has become an integral part of my life, from lugging my Euphonium and my Bass Trombone about a mile to and from school to practicing during lunch and going to whatever camp or joining whatever band I could. I have joined several different community bands and currently play in the top concert band and jazz band at South Highschool in minneapolis. 
However it wasn't until about a year ago that I realized that this was somethin I wanted to do for the rest of my life. after talking to my band teacher I began looking for that next big step. I found it at Interlochen, a prestigous 6 week camp during the summer. this is exactly what i need to develop further. However there seems to be an inexorable obstacle that is blocking my path. The cost is over 10,000 dollars, something that seems impossible for me and my family. weve bearly been able to pay 1,000 and have recieved about 3,000 more in financial aid. I believe that I am deserving of this opurtinity as I made it through the audition process and have worked very hard for it to even be a possibility. this is exactly the kind of an experience that i have been waiting for all my life, but I cant do it due to a lack of money. I emplore you to think back to a time in your life were money has stopped you from pursuing something that completes who you are. Any donations are greatly appreciated

here are some of the things that I have done

Shell lake band camp first chair top group
St. Olaf Honor Band First chair 
Gustavas Honor Band First chair
Top (out of 2) Jazz Band at Highschool on Bass trombone (starting playing almost 1 year ago)
First Chair in Top (out of four) Band at highschool
Playing in Seward Concert Band
Playing in South High community Band
Playing in The UofM Alumni Band (as a freshman in highschool)
Playing in the Minnesota Freedom Band
Playing Trombone in an additional concert band at highschool
been recomended by my Band Teacher and accepted to be a Minnesota Ambassador of Music

Galen at the Gustavus Honor Band
Galen at the Shell Lake Summer Band CampGalen at a Unniversity of Minnesota Alumni Band Concert