Hello friends and family!

Please consider donating to the wonderful Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO) !  I have been part of ESYO's wind orchestra as an alto saxophonist since last year. Playing music with my bandmates at ESYO brings me joy and it's a great way for me to alleviate the stress of the day to day life. I joined because at ESYO, there are many students who are just like me.  They love music and want to do more of it outside their school band. ESYO is my safe space where I can enjoy playing wonderful works of music with others who share the same passion. Together we work as a team to create a beautiful and lush sound. All of the notes on the page are nothing without musicians who add feeling to it. This is what we do at ESYO and why I love it so much!

🎶 SUPPORT THE FUTURE OF MUSIC 🎶

Playathon is ESYO’s most important friend-raiser and fundraiser of the year! This fun-filled day of music raises money for ESYO while showcasing the breadth & depth of our program! This free, family event takes place on Saturday, March 23rd from 10:30am through 5:15pm at Crossgates Mall and showcases hundreds of young musicians. It's the only day of the year where all ESYO ensembles (including CHIME) perform—from the deep rumble of the percussion ensembles to the uplifting trills of the wind orchestra. The day also includes live auctions, including a chance to lead one of the ensembles!

The marathon display of musical talent is more than simply a community concert, it helps ESYO ensure no qualified musician is ever turned away from the ESYO Experience because of an inability to pay. Your support is needed now more than ever. The money raised will fund a substantial portion of ESYO’s operating expenses and musician scholarships.

Our Playathon fundraising goal for 2024 is $120,000. To reach our goal, we have challenged each ensemble, our board of directors, and our staff with their own fundraising goal. Help them get there by giving generously today!