Help Sammy Sing at the Sydney Opera House!

Hi Friends -

As many of you know, I have been selected for the Honors Performance Series (HPS) to perform in the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia next summer!

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been the type of person to say, “If you’re going to do something, do it in the best way you can.” By this, I mean to do things right the first time and to give it your everything. When I was first accepted as a Finalist in the Middle School Honors Performance Series (HPS) at Carnegie Hall in 2014, I didn’t quite understand what it meant to be performing in such a prestigious group. The HPS was the first memory I have of truly feeling understood. I met incredible people, and I was able to experience something that musicians of all ages dream of doing. As got older, I was constantly reminded that just because I may not pursue a career in music, doesn’t mean I can’t continue singing and playing music where life takes me. When I was working in Alaska this summer, I was reminded by a guest of how important music is to the world. They asked if I do anything related to music outside of work, to which I responded “no, actually.” They explained that they could see my passion for it and that I should keep singing and playing for as long as this life lets me.

This moment got me thinking about my love of music, and where it all started. I was reminded of my experience with HPS in the past and remembered that as the company had grown, there was now an opportunity to perform in the Sydney Opera House. I called and was guided through the process of starting a new application. During this time, I was still working in Alaska, so as a routine practice schedule, I was able to incorporate parts of my audition into my tours every day! Guests from all over the world encouraged me to continue pursuing music and were even more ecstatic to learn more about HPS. If I’m going to go or do something, I want to be able to give it my everything, and attending the HPS in Sydney is the perfect way to do exactly that.

Because this is an international trip, the expenses are quite costly. I am seeking support to help cover tuition and flights, which are about $4,500 combined.

The 2023 tuition covers the following:

-All rehearsals, including equipment and sheet music

-All production and services for the Sydney Opera House performance

-All shown activities, including sightseeing, celebration, and other activities

-All ground transportation during the program, including transfers between the -assigned airport and hotel

-Exposure to and learning from world-class conductors for the program duration

-Student chaperones, city tour guides, and program staff

-Five nights’ lodging in a centrally located, student-friendly hotel with on-site staff

-Staff available 24 hours to handle any unexpected circumstances

-24-hour access to Doctors on Call, our U.S.-based medical support through The George Washington University Hospital, during the program

-Extensive traveler's insurance while on the program

Any donations received through this GoFundMe will be directly used to offset my tuition costs for the Series. I sincerely appreciate all donations and the support I have received throughout the years as I have pursued my musical endeavors, and I am thankful for every person who has played a role in my musical journey thus far!

Cheers,

Sameena

P.S. Anyone who contributes will get a personalized Australian postcard from me!