Help Soren get a new alto sax for competitive jazz band!!

Hi, I'm Rebecca, Soren's mom. I'm raising money to get our son, Soren, a new saxophone.

I'd like to start off by telling a little about him. Soren is 13 years old. He has been passionate about playing the alto saxophone since he was 10 years old.

When he first started, we provided him with what he needed to play. We met his level of interest and dedication with what matched his level. For example, when he demonstrated that music wasn't a fleeting interest, we moved foreward and invested in lessons. When he showed discipline in his lessons, we signed him up for summer jazz camp at South Shore Conservatory. We decided early on that we would encourage and support him, but not push.

During the pandemic, Soren decided on his own to use that time to really learn as much as he could. He demonstrated a self discipline that was impressive for his age! Well, for any age, really!

When he was in 6th grade, Soren would go in to school an hour early for band. His band teacher had him break off into a second room to teach a small group of beginners. When he switched schools, he continued the early morning band program and helping catch up any new students at his first school, and also had a robust participation in his new schools band program. When the schools needed a baritone player, he picked up the baritone. He is always ready to help!

Soren's first summer at South Shore Conservatory, he was the youngest student there, and he was nervous. But he focused on the music, and getting as much out of jazz camp as possible. After the camp finale concert, Soren was surprised with a scholarship check for being "the most willing to help others."

Soren has been invited to play in all city jazz band, advanced symphonic band, and every summer he takes two jazz camps. (Foxboro jazz intensive and SSC jazz camp.)

Soren has proven himself to be a dedicated musician, responsible student, and reliable member of the team. He was even honored by being the only student chosen in the city to be a "guest conductor" for the Quincy Symphony Orchestra's holiday concert. This honor is given to one student who shows great passion and drive in music. It was very exciting for him, even the Mayor was in attendance!

For the last couple of years, you can frequently go down to Quincy center and find Soren "busking." He puts out a can, and plays his favorite tunes by Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and more.

The Quincy police who patrol the area of Quincy center where Soren often sets up always come say hi and encourage him to keep it up.

You'd think he has spent all the money he earned on candy or cards. But 90% of everything he has made he is saving to buy a new horn. He's nearly a quarter of the way there! Every dollar bill from a birthday card, busking, he even buys thing from a thrift store to sell on ebay, and he has

saved it up. He says "I know it's a long shot, but maybe I'll get myself a new horn one day."

He has a decent horn. But it's old and needs constant tweaks, and no matter how many times we fix it, it's still really leaky and it's a struggle to play.

He has been practicing daily for districts which he was invited to audition for. I would love to see if we could help him get something reliable, the horn of his dreams. The Nexus from Boston Sax Shop is the one he wants.

The way I look at it, this is an investment in a dedicated musician, a horn he will have forever.

If you would consider donating to help us get closer to getting him a new horn it would be a dream come true! The first pic was 100° day, but he stuck it out with the kindness and encouragement from our community!

He also works hard to stay on the honor roll

Guest conductor for a piece played by the Quincy Symphony Orchestra! Thanks for scoring your fam those sweet seats Soren!

Click the link below to hear him!

Clip of him playing at a jam