keep in mind, he's FOURTEEN!

alright. let me describe my FOURTEEN year old cousin, Derek. he's kind and smart and totally a cute kid. and he's a majorgamer. and i always knew he played the sax but i never knew how good he is. or how motivated he is. anyway, just today i got this email from him. i'm posting it here because one) i'm proud of him and two) i'm so impressed with his writing (he's FOURTEEN!) and three) i CANNOT believe he is giving up gaming! i'm impressed and i think you might be, too? here's the letter:


Hey everyone!

I am just emailing everyone to let you guys know I am looking to buy an alto saxophone. Now before you close this email and say, “Why should I donate to Derek, what has he done for me.” Here are some reasons why I am asking all of you.

The main reasons for my sudden aspirations of buying a saxophone are not as sudden as you presume. For a year now I have looked at saxophones trying out various models and talking to a few people (Like my saxophone teacher) and looking for a model that isn’t too expensive and suits my needs as a musician. For the past year I have finally found the saxophone that is perfect for my position as a musician, it has great intonation, marvelous tone, and high prestige in the world of intermediate model saxophones. My dad and step mom (Susan) both agreed to pay for half of my instrument, while my mother was not so keen as her financial position is less than sufficient to pay for an instrument. Here are some basic ideas to make money (feel free to add ideas in replies):

So now I am encouraged to try various methods of making money and dedication to reach my goal of 1300 dollars. My first thoughts were to quit gaming and all things electronic that are spending money. That way I can pay for my half; currently steps are being taken to cancel and sell all of my systems and such (i.e. Xbox and Xbox games: these games are for sale just ask in a reply for details). Also I am inclined to sell services that I have to offer, manual labor (if you live a reasonable distance away) or in any kind of literary works, like writing poems, stories, business letters (informal or formal) or any basic writing you just don’t feel like you have time for. Another idea I had was to play with some friends on the streets of Santa Barbara, but we need money to buy music charts, currently we only have 2 music charts including the two classics Donna Lee (By Charlie “Bird” Parker) and In a Sentimental Mood (By Duke Ellington). So this idea seems less than ideal because improvisation is not an easy task at this age but my friends and I have been known to trade 4’s if any of you are familiar with the term. And naturally my final idea was to ask some family members for small donations ranging anywhere from $5-20 because it would only take 20 people to donate 20 dollars and already I would be over half way to my goal from the money I have banked. For examples of writing just ask for a request of the form you would like (persuasive essays, poems, etc. etc.) So your small and generous donations go farther than you would imagine!

As for dedication I am looking to apply as a volunteer to Sam Ash’s musical department, (originally they asked me to work there but unfortunately I am not 18 yet, only 14) also I would be willing to teach people saxophone basics for 5$ for 30 or 45 minutes. These may seem like small steps to getting to my goal but as the cliché term has always gone “The journey of a thousand miles starts one step at a time”J. How embarrassing to actually use that term! Regardless it is perfect to describe why I am seeking my families love, support, and financial aid.

In conclusion I am making sacrifices in my life to become somewhat of an exceptional player, and play in the top bands at Thousand Oaks, auditions are on June 16th so I am looking for enough money to convince my parents that I will reach the $1300 needed, so they will buy me a saxophone for graduation of the 8th grade and auditions for high school. Because my future has already been set in motion and all of it involves band fortunately, so I am looking to be the greatest musician I can make myself into starting with an instrument that is above my current sub-par horn. Please respond regardless if you are looking to donate or not just so I know I have your support, I would really appreciate ideas as well!

The model saxophone I am looking to buy is YAS-62II an alto in the key of E flat. The average price $2259.00 no tax and new; $2445.37 with taxes applied, the extra money will go to a mouth piece that is worth while because a mouthpiece is also very important in intonation, sound, and tone. But my mouthpiece is up to standards so that is not nearly as important. Also to make donations through credit card feel free to email or call Susan. Your donations will become a big part of my life no matter how small so feel free to donate even if its change!

With love and greetings to my whole family,
Derek

P.S. I love you all lots! I’ll always be looking forward to the family reunions we have every few years!
http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&q=YAS62II+Alto+saxaphone&um=1&ie=UTF-8
This URL will take you to the saxophone I am looking to buy, and various prices.

TALK ABOUT MOTIVATION! let me know if you want him to write you a poem :)