Hello Friends! As many of you know, our son William has been a part of the Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO) for 7 years, in both its percussion ensembles and its symphony orchestras. ESYO is a local not-for-profit organization that engages more than 600 youth from across New York’s Capital Region in their pursuit of musical excellence. ESYO consists of fourteen performing ensembles, and provides free-musical training to under-served youth through its “CHIME” Program. I’m am also a proud Board member of this wonderful organization. On March 23, 2024, ESYO is holding its annual “Playathon” at Crossgates Mall from 10:30am - 5pm. We hope you can come out to support the Playathon, but if you can’t, please help ESYO with a donation, which you can make through our fundraising page: See the attached link:  https://esyo.app.neoncrm.com/campaign.jsp?campaign=77&fundraiser=9412&  Thank you!

🎶 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!