Help the CHSO take on the Lisbon International Youth Music Festival!
We are pleased to announce that the CHARLOTTESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL STRING ENSEMBLE has once again been invited to perform in the prestigious Lisbon International Youth Music Festival. This festival features more than 30 concerts in the best halls and open-air venues in Portugal and celebrates youth orchestras, choirs, symphonic bands and ensembles from all over the world. Young musicians will gather to build friendships and share uplifting performances with 15,000+ music lovers.
In addition to their time in Lisbon, the String Ensemble will travel to Spain to experience the art, history and splendor of Madrid and Guarda culminating with evening performances in sacred venues such as the Baroque church of San Millan y San Cayetano or the Basilica de Jesus de Medinaceli. Perhaps most importantly, CHSO musicians will serve as ambassadors – a vital reminder of music’s power to unite and inspire.
An invitation of this magnitude is an honor not to be missed. We hope that you will join us by making a contribution to ensure that Charlottesville’s talented youth are able experience this incredible opportunity.
“For many years, I have had the privilege of experiencing the exceptional talent, poise, and awe-inspiring verve that pours from the CHSO String Ensemble. It is remarkable the capacity our student ensemble possesses in rendering the wonders and joy that music bears. How great an experience it is for our CHSO String Ensemble to participate with and lift and challenge our global partners in sharing the majesty of music.”
- Dr. Justin Malone, Principal, Charlottesville High School
Financial Overview
The CHSO String Ensemble's eight-day trip to Madrid, Guarda, and Lisbon represents a fundraising challenge that will require significant community support. CHSO students and parents aim to raise a substantial portion of the necessary funds through student-directed activities such as concession sales at athletic events, quartet performances, poinsettia sales, and a benefit concert. The String Ensemble hopes to raise the remaining funds through support from foundations and compassionate community members who understand the power of music to unite and travel to illuminate. Funds raised will also support our scholarship fund to specifically help students in financial need. Donations to the general campaign and to the scholarship fund are all 100% tax-deductible.
Cost per student includes airfare, meals, ground transportation, and insurance in Madrid/Lisbon for 8 days
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$3,766 per student
includes airfare, meals, ground transportation, and insurance in Madrid/Lisbon for 8 days
+ $13,400
Cello & bass instrument rental
+ $5,700
Ground transportation to Dulles Airport
TOTAL
= $192,336
Help These Hardworking, Talented Musicians Put Charlottesville on the Map
The Charlottesville High School Orchestra is a shining example of what is right with our community. It vividly reminds us that our schools can nourish and expect excellence of the highest order. It is cause for celebration that a group of students from diverse backgrounds can work together to meet an ambitious challenge. These teenagers are Charlottesville’s best possible representatives to the world.
Amid the challenges that CHS experienced in the fall of 2023, including several large student fights and the resignation of the principal, CHSO students continued to achieve, make music, and show up every day with a positive attitude. These students are an example of what young people are capable of. For our teens, the orchestra room offers creative outlets for expression, opportunities to engage all the senses, and ways to work collaboratively toward common goals.
Performing in Spain and Portugal will have a life-long impact on the students – many of whom have never traveled abroad – as well as on local families and young listeners who are inspired to follow in their footsteps. What an incredible opportunity for students to experience the vibrant culture of Madrid, perform in historic venues in Lisbon, and build friendships with students from around the globe.
While the Charlottesville City Schools’ support of the arts is outstanding, the CHSO budget does not include funds for student travel. The musicians in the ensemble represent the diversity of the larger school population where 42% of students are economically disadvantaged.
Please help us make this world-class opportunity a reality for our young performers. By sustaining and challenging our youth, we nurture our future.
"The Charlottesville High School Orchestra isn’t just a group of teenagers playing beautiful music, it is so much more than that. The CHSO is a second family that you can create euphonious sounds with and you can always count on one another."
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- Gabriella Zach, 11th grade
"Being a part of the orchestra team in CHS is a big deal for me. I was born in Thailand, in a refugee camp where opportunities were scarce, including playing an instrument. After moving to the U.S. I was provided with new possibilities like learning to play the violin. I’ve played in orchestra since the 5th grade and I'm grateful for everyone I met along the way. They are family to me and I’m happy to be a part of this team we’ve built.
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- Eh Klu Paw, 12th grade
"I have had an incredible experience in the CHS orchestra this year, and I look forward to the challenges and fun of the String Ensemble, and performing in Spain and Portugal would be an incredible way to share that experience with others around the world.
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- Gabriel Miller, 10th grade