Please Support A Young Cellist Purchase An Instrument

My name is Sheena Nickerson and I am fundraising for a new cello and bow for my son Eric Nickerson. Eric Nickerson is an aspiring orchestral cellist. He is entering his third year as a cellist in the Chicago Youth Symphony Philharmonic Orchestra and his fourth year in Homewood Flossmoor High School's Viking Orchestra. He recently studied with Addison Teng and Nicholas Mariscal at the Fulton Summer Music Academy. He attended masterclasses featuring Soloists Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Alena Baeva and Zlatomir Fung, Andrew Armstrong, Amy Schwartz Morreti, and Steven Wyrczynski of the Jacob's School of Music. At the end of the 2022/2023 season, Eric entered into the South Suburban College Young Musicians Competition of which he won first place. Eric will be performing with the National Children’s Symphony of Venezuela conducted by Gustavo Dudamel at the Ravinia this summer. 

Eric aspires to become a professional cellist. After high school, Eric hopes to attend a music conservatory and eventually play for a professional orchestra. Having a high quality instrument is an essential tool every musician will need to become a successful professional musician. Eric is in need of a new cello and bow that will cost $15,000. Eric's current cello is a rental and is very difficult to play, it has caused him intense back pain; he is currently under the care of a chiropractor to correct the injury. However he will continue to practice and continue to move forward; he will not allow this to stand in his way.

Eric's success as a professional cellist is so vital in inspiring the next generation of aspiring musicians. Eric has inspired not only his younger brother, but our young neighbors and friends to play an instrument. Eric has performed in free community concerts dedicated to inspiring young musicians. The path to becoming a professional musician takes dedication, passion, focus, hard work, and hours of practicing and score study daily. Eric is very dedicated and is on the right path to become a professional cellist. He takes this responsibility very seriously, and with support I know he can achieve his dream.

Thank you for taking the time to read his story.