Dear family and friends,

I hope that you are all doing well. My orchestra is doing another fundraising project. The Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO) is a constant in my life. Last year, we played Tchaikovsky's 5th symphony at Carnegie Hall, which was an amazing experience, and this year we get to play at EmPac with the RPI orchestra. We also play concerts at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, and at the end of the year, we get to play at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, which hosts the Philadelphia orchestra every summer.

I've also started volunteering for CHIME, an afterschool music program based in Schenectady City Schools, where I help coach the brass section and play in the concerts. I especially like when I manage to teach someone how to play a certain section of music, then they actually take it to heart and play it right the next time. it's a rewarding feeling.

This spring we're playing Shostakovich 5, which is a challenging and exciting piece of music that hardly any youth orchestras attempt. I'd love to see you at a concert if you can make it.

A donation in any amount is greatly appreciated, and will help continue to support youth music and art in our community.

Sincerely,

Cyrus Joo-Schwaber

🎶 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!