A Cello for Sarah
Donation protected
I've fallen in love. He's French... and a spry 260 years old.
I'm talking about a cello, of course. This past week I found the instrument of my dreams. Purchasing a professional cello has been on my 'to-do list' for over a decade now, but the process of looking for a good instrument is incredibly intimidating- second perhaps only to the price tag that comes along with it. To be honest, I've never had the courage to shop seriously for an instrument, because I knew I would never be able to afford one.
The cello that I play now has been on quite the journey with me. I've had it since I was a sophomore in high school, and it's taken me through my bachelor's and master's degrees, my first professional orchestra gigs, my first college teaching job, and now into my doctorate. We've performed hundreds of concerts together and been seat mates in countless planes, trains, and automobiles. I've met some of the most important people in my life because of music, and I've connected with thousands more through it. It has been my voice for most of my life.
People often seem surprised when they learn about the cello that I play on now- it's beautiful both in looks and sound. But you could buy it out of a catalogue. It was the perfect instrument for a student who was just getting started, but a student instrument has its limitations. And my current cello, as much as I love it, has become more of a challenge than a partner. Any job I apply for going forward- in an orchestra, as a teacher, or anything in between- will require me to play as part of my interview. It's pretty challenging to be competitive for professional jobs with a student instrument.
The instrument that I'm hoping to buy is an unlabeled cello (we don't know who made it); perhaps that's why we connected so quickly- we're both a bit mysterious. The fancy technology that can analyze wood and varnish tells us that this cello was made in France between 1750-1760. Cool, right?
And so I'm asking for help from the community that has endlessly supported my journey so far. I love this cello, and it would be life-changing for me to play on such an instrument, but I don't have the funds to buy it.
How expensive can a cello possibly be? Well, this particular instrument is $40,000, which is in the lower mid-range of cello price tags. I'm working on several different options for funding, but one thing is clear- I won't be able to do this without a lot of help.
If you are willing and able to contribute to help me purchase this incredible cello, I would be so grateful.
I'm talking about a cello, of course. This past week I found the instrument of my dreams. Purchasing a professional cello has been on my 'to-do list' for over a decade now, but the process of looking for a good instrument is incredibly intimidating- second perhaps only to the price tag that comes along with it. To be honest, I've never had the courage to shop seriously for an instrument, because I knew I would never be able to afford one.
The cello that I play now has been on quite the journey with me. I've had it since I was a sophomore in high school, and it's taken me through my bachelor's and master's degrees, my first professional orchestra gigs, my first college teaching job, and now into my doctorate. We've performed hundreds of concerts together and been seat mates in countless planes, trains, and automobiles. I've met some of the most important people in my life because of music, and I've connected with thousands more through it. It has been my voice for most of my life.
People often seem surprised when they learn about the cello that I play on now- it's beautiful both in looks and sound. But you could buy it out of a catalogue. It was the perfect instrument for a student who was just getting started, but a student instrument has its limitations. And my current cello, as much as I love it, has become more of a challenge than a partner. Any job I apply for going forward- in an orchestra, as a teacher, or anything in between- will require me to play as part of my interview. It's pretty challenging to be competitive for professional jobs with a student instrument.
The instrument that I'm hoping to buy is an unlabeled cello (we don't know who made it); perhaps that's why we connected so quickly- we're both a bit mysterious. The fancy technology that can analyze wood and varnish tells us that this cello was made in France between 1750-1760. Cool, right?
And so I'm asking for help from the community that has endlessly supported my journey so far. I love this cello, and it would be life-changing for me to play on such an instrument, but I don't have the funds to buy it.
How expensive can a cello possibly be? Well, this particular instrument is $40,000, which is in the lower mid-range of cello price tags. I'm working on several different options for funding, but one thing is clear- I won't be able to do this without a lot of help.
If you are willing and able to contribute to help me purchase this incredible cello, I would be so grateful.
Organizer
Sarah Hansen
Organizer
Iowa City, IA