My first violin upgrade in 14 years
Donation protected
Hello everyone,
My name is Tracey Edouard and I've been a Long Island native all my life.
As you may or may not know, I started playing the violin in 4th grade and took a major liking to it. The first time I picked it up, it felt like home. Like almost every other fourth grader at Maplewood, I started off with a rented violin from Sam Ash. My mom saw how much I liked to play my instrument and toward the end of the school year, she bought my rented violin as a Christmas gift, and I was able to call it my own.
Throughout grade, middle and high school, I enjoyed playing different orchestral pieces under the direction of several amazing grade school teachers including Ms. Carol Vaccirello, Mrs. Jenness, and Mr. Yolongo. Playing was and has been my greatest joy. As I transitioned into high school, I’d even spend my lunch periods in the orchestra room, playing and enjoying the company of other musicians. Some friends would inquire why I didn't take private lessons, but the reality was, the cost was too expensive at the time.
As I transitioned into Penn State, I continued the craft of playing the violin and very quickly found myself surrounded by talented musicians who kept me on my toes all four years in the campus orchestra. In my junior year of college, I came across several campus ministers who proclaimed the gospel of Jesus in a new way and very soon after that, I reclaimed my faith in God later that year. The rest of that year into my senior year at Penn State, I devoted my craft of playing the violin to many youth for Christ events and grew even more musical as a musician.
Fast-forward three years post graduation, I've found a church home (Shelter Rock Church) where I've been serving on the worship team for the past three years, and it has been such a delight. I believe I've fully stepped into my calling as a musician to bring glory to God through the gift of music.
In all my years of playing, I've never had the opportunity to upgrade my instrument -- mostly because of the outstanding costs of quality instruments. A well built, quality violin can get pricey very easily, but in me seeking out this endeavor now, I see this as an investment. Much like my college education, I invested my time, energy and resources in school to bring me to a place where I'm proud to be professionally, and now I'm looking to do the same musically.
Last weekend, I took the first step in visiting a violin shop to try some professional instruments for a wedding I was asked to play for in November. When I started playing some instruments, one of the workers said I had great tone and my skill was beyond the instruments in my price range. She then showed me another instrument that was out of my price range, but I soon realized the quality of the instrument was reflected in the price after I gave it a test run. (I'm playing that same violin in the video above.)
The worker said that if I wanted to purchase this instrument, they can put it on hold for me, but for only 2 weeks maximum. After that, it will be fair game to anyone else looking to purchase an instrument.
The difficultly in paying for this instrument ties in with my current outstanding student loans, phone bills, transportation costs, in and out of NYC. As much as I wish I could, I can't afford it on my own.
If God places it on your heart to donate even donate $0.01, I'll be eternally grateful. I understand money isn't easy to come by for anyone, but I ask that before you make a decision, pray about it first and see if God gives you confirmation that it's okay to give.
I also would like to mention that me and two other girlfriends are in talks to potentially strike up a side venture to play live music for special occasions like weddings, sweet sixteen’s, and more. If that leaves a bad inclination in your spirit, I'm asking you not to give. As it stands however, the primary purpose for this instrument has been and always will be for ministry.
Every last penny of what I fundraise will go toward the instrument, even if I don't make my goal. Even if you don't give, I’m thankful for you taking the time to read my story and I hope you enjoyed a little bit of the gift that I love so much in the video above. Thanks again for your time, and God bless!
Love,
Tracey
My name is Tracey Edouard and I've been a Long Island native all my life.
As you may or may not know, I started playing the violin in 4th grade and took a major liking to it. The first time I picked it up, it felt like home. Like almost every other fourth grader at Maplewood, I started off with a rented violin from Sam Ash. My mom saw how much I liked to play my instrument and toward the end of the school year, she bought my rented violin as a Christmas gift, and I was able to call it my own.
Throughout grade, middle and high school, I enjoyed playing different orchestral pieces under the direction of several amazing grade school teachers including Ms. Carol Vaccirello, Mrs. Jenness, and Mr. Yolongo. Playing was and has been my greatest joy. As I transitioned into high school, I’d even spend my lunch periods in the orchestra room, playing and enjoying the company of other musicians. Some friends would inquire why I didn't take private lessons, but the reality was, the cost was too expensive at the time.
As I transitioned into Penn State, I continued the craft of playing the violin and very quickly found myself surrounded by talented musicians who kept me on my toes all four years in the campus orchestra. In my junior year of college, I came across several campus ministers who proclaimed the gospel of Jesus in a new way and very soon after that, I reclaimed my faith in God later that year. The rest of that year into my senior year at Penn State, I devoted my craft of playing the violin to many youth for Christ events and grew even more musical as a musician.
Fast-forward three years post graduation, I've found a church home (Shelter Rock Church) where I've been serving on the worship team for the past three years, and it has been such a delight. I believe I've fully stepped into my calling as a musician to bring glory to God through the gift of music.
In all my years of playing, I've never had the opportunity to upgrade my instrument -- mostly because of the outstanding costs of quality instruments. A well built, quality violin can get pricey very easily, but in me seeking out this endeavor now, I see this as an investment. Much like my college education, I invested my time, energy and resources in school to bring me to a place where I'm proud to be professionally, and now I'm looking to do the same musically.
Last weekend, I took the first step in visiting a violin shop to try some professional instruments for a wedding I was asked to play for in November. When I started playing some instruments, one of the workers said I had great tone and my skill was beyond the instruments in my price range. She then showed me another instrument that was out of my price range, but I soon realized the quality of the instrument was reflected in the price after I gave it a test run. (I'm playing that same violin in the video above.)
The worker said that if I wanted to purchase this instrument, they can put it on hold for me, but for only 2 weeks maximum. After that, it will be fair game to anyone else looking to purchase an instrument.
The difficultly in paying for this instrument ties in with my current outstanding student loans, phone bills, transportation costs, in and out of NYC. As much as I wish I could, I can't afford it on my own.
If God places it on your heart to donate even donate $0.01, I'll be eternally grateful. I understand money isn't easy to come by for anyone, but I ask that before you make a decision, pray about it first and see if God gives you confirmation that it's okay to give.
I also would like to mention that me and two other girlfriends are in talks to potentially strike up a side venture to play live music for special occasions like weddings, sweet sixteen’s, and more. If that leaves a bad inclination in your spirit, I'm asking you not to give. As it stands however, the primary purpose for this instrument has been and always will be for ministry.
Every last penny of what I fundraise will go toward the instrument, even if I don't make my goal. Even if you don't give, I’m thankful for you taking the time to read my story and I hope you enjoyed a little bit of the gift that I love so much in the video above. Thanks again for your time, and God bless!
Love,
Tracey
Organizer
Tracey Edouard
Organizer
Huntington, NY