Help Phoenix purchase a cello of his own!

Hi! My name is Stephanie Latta. I have set up this fundraiser on behalf of my son Phoenix King. In short, Phoenix needs a cello. Please allow me to explain why.

When Phoenix was born, he had long, undulating fingers and looked as if he were playing an instrument. We mused that he would grow up to be a musician. When he was two and half years old, Phoenix watched his first movie, 'The Snowman' by Raymond Briggs. He was enthralled with the enchanting orchestral music by Howard Blake. On his third birthday, my cousin played songs on her violin from this soundtrack – a performance which elicited squeals of delight and unbridled joy from Phoenix. As a lover of classical music myself and as a way to calm my frazzled mom-of-young-children nerves, I constantly had classical music playing in the house. Phoenix grew up immersed in music.

Fast forward to fourth grade, when violin was part of the school curriculum under the expert tutelage of maestro Simon Maurer. Phoenix showed promise and for the better half of the year, he begged me for cello lessons. I was hesitant to invest in this costly hobby. But he persisted to request lessons and Simon persisted to encourage him. So, at ten years old, Phoenix began lessons with Simon. To my surprise, there was no need to badger him to practice. He just did it. He loved playing his cello and demonstrated uncommon discipline for a boy of his age.

Phoenix is now almost seventeen and has been playing ever since then. For the last seven years, we have been renting student cellos. His current teacher has strongly encouraged us to invest in the purchase of a quality cello in order to advance. Phoenix has been attending a charter school for the arts since 9th grade. This past summer, Phoenix received a scholarship to attend Luzerne Music Camp. Music is Phoenix’s passion. It pulses through his veins and radiates through his bright heart. He wants to make a career in music and to share his abounding love of it with as many people as he can. The attainment of a high-quality cello would be a significant step on Phoenix's journey to becoming an accomplished cellist.

Cellos range from about $2,000 to over $10,000. An intermediate quality cello can be purchased for about $6,000. As a single mother of three kids, this is simply not in my budget. We are therefore asking for community support to raise $6,500 to purchase a cello and cover taxes (8%). As cellos are played, they often appreciate in value. This is an investment that would last a lifetime. We would be deeply grateful for any amount you might donate to invest in helping to make Phoenix's dream a reality. Please enjoy this short clip of Phoenix in action, doing what he loves most.