24-Hour Ride for Milton Music
Donation protected
Hello, my name is Caleb Smith, I'm the guy in the middle. I am a senior at Milton High who has been playing saxophone since the fourth grade. Playing music has been a huge part of my life. From the very beginning it has given me a network of friendships and support from students and staff alike. The music department at the high school has pushed me to become not only a better musician, but a better person. After hours of practicing on my own and with others, my time here has taught me the value of hard work, collaboration, and discipline. It has given me the tools and knowledge to create music and express myself. This self-expression was a great therapy for me the past few years when my father was battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
To improve my skills on the saxophone I have needed guidance from a private teacher. Without his guidance and encouragement, I would not be where I am today. However, a teacher is a luxury that not everybody can afford. Musical Instruments are expensive, and financing a year, let alone multiple years, of private lessons with a teacher adds up. For some families this proves too much, and they cannot afford to give their kids lessons. Without guidance and teaching, kids lose motivation and are likely to quit the instrument altogether. Friends and Advocates for Music Education (FAME), a parent organization set up to raise money for the Milton High Music Department, has a scholarship fund for these families. To fund the whole program is quite expensive, it's $7000 per year. My goal for this ride, as a graduating gift to this wonderful department, is to raise enough to fund at least the next year of the scholarship program.
I do not want anybody to miss out on the benefits that playing music brings to life. This is why I am riding across the state. The physical challenge will be a testament to the gratefulness I feel towards the music department at Milton High. I hope the money raised will pave the way for deserving kids who otherwise could not afford to pursue music, grow as musicians, and be apart of this amazing department.
I will be tackling this from June 20-21, here's a link to the route: https://www.strava.com/routes/23603209
To improve my skills on the saxophone I have needed guidance from a private teacher. Without his guidance and encouragement, I would not be where I am today. However, a teacher is a luxury that not everybody can afford. Musical Instruments are expensive, and financing a year, let alone multiple years, of private lessons with a teacher adds up. For some families this proves too much, and they cannot afford to give their kids lessons. Without guidance and teaching, kids lose motivation and are likely to quit the instrument altogether. Friends and Advocates for Music Education (FAME), a parent organization set up to raise money for the Milton High Music Department, has a scholarship fund for these families. To fund the whole program is quite expensive, it's $7000 per year. My goal for this ride, as a graduating gift to this wonderful department, is to raise enough to fund at least the next year of the scholarship program.
I do not want anybody to miss out on the benefits that playing music brings to life. This is why I am riding across the state. The physical challenge will be a testament to the gratefulness I feel towards the music department at Milton High. I hope the money raised will pave the way for deserving kids who otherwise could not afford to pursue music, grow as musicians, and be apart of this amazing department.
I will be tackling this from June 20-21, here's a link to the route: https://www.strava.com/routes/23603209
Organizer and beneficiary
Caleb Smith
Organizer
Milton, MA
Douglas Smith
Beneficiary