Bring JM to Indiana - Jacobs School of Music

The Manila Times: https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/04/07/the-sunday-times/arts-awake/jm-eserjose-violinist-with-a-mission/1940174

Hi everyone! I am Jose Marie 'JM' Paraiso Eserjose, 23 y/o, a violinist from the Philippines.

Last April, I was offered admission to the prestigious Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University and was awarded a partial tuition scholarship for my masters degree. It has been two semesters and I am still trying to get funding for my studies. Good thing is that IU JSoM allows us to defer our admission for up to one year past the original start semester. This is my last chance to attend IU which made me think of creating this fundraising and here I am humbly asking for your support. Let me share with you a quick story about me and my goals as a musician.

My violin journey started when our city mayor decided to send violins to my public high school. Starting the violin at the age of thirteen was not easy. It taught me discipline and being smart in managing my time. After a year of learning the violin through my high school teacher and youtube, I auditioned for Ang Misyon, an El Sistema inspired program which gave me opportunities to have a proper violin teacher and to play in the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth. Two years later, in 2016 I became its concertmaster. Since then, I have been leading the orchestra in concerts in Manila, and our tour in Malaysia and Qatar. Please allow me to share more about the fruits of my hard work.

In 2019, I had my first solo debut with the ABS CBN Philharmonic under the baton of Maestro Joshua Dos Santos. In the same year, I was selected to join the Asian Youth Orchestra for a concert tour in Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin, Nanjing, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea.

In 2021, I joined the National Music Competitions for Young Artists - Seniors String Violin Category and was awarded 2nd prize.

In 2022, I was twice invited to play with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra as guest principal 2nd violin for their season concert and the production of Puccini’s Turandot Opera.

In summer of 2023, I won the position to be the Principal 2nd Violin of the Asian Youth Orchestra where we played concerts in Italy for the Mahler Festival, at the world-famous Berlin Konzerthaus for Young Euro Classic, and also performed concerts in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, and Japan. Last December, I was selected to participate in the chamber festival at the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts with the UST String Quartet and have received a masterclass with Ida Kavafian and Steven Tenenbom.

I finished my Bachelors Degree at the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music under full scholarship from the Original Pilipino Performing Arts Foundation. Currently, I have been playing as a guest musician with various groups including the Manila Philharmonic, Manila Symphony, Sun Symphony, Manila Baroque Ensemble, and the Ring of Fire Chamber Orchestra.

Coming from a humble family, they cannot support me financially in this endeavor. This fundraising aims to cover the remaining expenses for my tuition, dorm, and some for my living expenses while I am studying at the Jacobs School.

My dream is to become a successful musician. Music has been my passion and my driving force, providing me with a sense of fulfillment and inspiration. Music taught me that everything is possible to achieve if you combine patience, sacrifice, and hard work. It also taught me the value of humility and living with a mission. This dream of studying abroad is always tied with the promise to give back and share my experience and expertise to my fellow Filipinos.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude for your kindness and for taking the time to read my story. I am willing to share more details or answer any questions you may have.

Any amount you can contribute will be greatly appreciated and make a significant impact as I embark on this new journey.

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Donation Options:

GOFUNDME

For international donors donating via credit card, please click on the "Donate Now" button

Note: My friend Gabriel Art Mendoza will be receiving your donation since the bank account needs to be from US. He will then transfer it to my local bank account once the target goal is reached.

VIA BANK TRANSFER

Bank Name: Bank of the Philippine Island

Bank Address: Pasig, Metro Manila

Bank Account Name: Jose Marie Eserjose

Bank Account Number: 0209 2670 98

Swift Code: BOPIPHMM

If you want to pledge for specific needs (Dorm, Health Insurance, Living Expenses, Remaining Tuition Cost), please contact me via email: [email redacted]