School Orchestra, New Orleans Trip

Orchestra Performance, Trip to New Orleans

About Rachael:  Hello my name is Rachael Lickfelt and I am an 8th grade Viola player at East Wittier Middle School. As a proud member of the East Whittier Middle School Instrumental Music Program (EWMSIMP, www.ewmsimp.org), I am now in my third year playing this wonderful instrument.  Currently, I have been given the unique honor of 'Second Chair' out of 10 Viola players in this program.  I dream to one day make a carreer involving music and singing.  I have been fortunate to have this program at my middle school to allow me to begin my journey in making my dream a reality. 

Rachael is a smart, bright, spiritual and talented girl.  She has already shown her talent at school as well as in various performances at Church.  We wish to support and encourage her in fulfilling her dream.  Not only is music a dream for Rachael but we also know that music is such a great way to stimulate learning and creativity in a young mind. 

The Trip:  Every year the EWMSIMP 8th graders, directed by Debra Carnehan, have taken a trip to perform in various places in the US, such as Seattle, WA, Carnegie, PA, Philadelphia and many others.  This year they will perform at the National Band & Orchestra festival in New Orleans, LA. This is an incredible oportunity for students to perform with their peers and have a cultural, musical and travel experience of a life time.  The total cost of the trip is $1,600.  We have already paid the deposit of $400 which leaves us $1,200 left to raise.  They will be traveling from Whittier, CA to New Orleans, LA.  The cost of the trip includes Air transportation from Los Angeles to New Orleans, ground transportation, Hotel costs, Festival Performance and many other costs.  

We need your help: We need your support.  Rachael has been selling candy to help with the cost, but it will take much more in order to meet our goal.  Besides the fact that this is a lot to raise, our family is recovering from a financial set back.  My husband lost his job in September of 2013 and was without a full time job for a year.  This set us back quite a bit.  We are greatful to God that he got us through it, but are still trying to get back on our feet and it's been difficult.  We ask for your support in helping us send Rachael on this incredible trip.  Sincerely, The Lickfelt Family, Robert, Rebecca, Rachael and Joshua