I am 18 years old and have been playing the cello for nine years. I will graduate from high school this May and have been accepted to the University of Central Arkansas, where I plan to pursue a Bachelor of Music in cello performance while completing the prerequisites for physical therapy school.

Hard work and perseverance have been constant themes in my life, reflected in my commitments to academics, track, weightlifting, choir, and my cello studies. I have challenged myself by taking all available honors and AP courses while continuing to push my limits in both athletics and music. I am honored to have been selected for the Arkansas All-State TTBB Choir for three consecutive years. These accomplishments are rooted in the discipline and persistence I have developed through studying the cello, and I am confident those habits will continue to shape my growth.

To continue developing as a student, athlete, and musician, I will attend the Lutheran Summer Music Academy (LSM) this summer for the fifth consecutive year. My experience at LSM has been invaluable. The program’s wide range of classes—including composition, conducting, music education, orchestra, and choir—creates an immersive environment that challenges and inspires me every day.

This year, I will attend the full session, and I am raising funds to help my family afford this opportunity. If you would like to support me, you may give online through this site or write a check (which helps avoid credit card fees) payable to Lutheran Summer Music, with my name in the memo line. Checks can be given to my parents or mailed to LSM (PO Box 8687, Minneapolis, MN 55408).

On Tuesday, May 12 at 6:30 p.m., I will perform in a fundraising recital with my sisters, Gabriella and Isabella, at All Saints Episcopal Church (501 S Phoenix Ave, Russellville, AR 72801). The recital will also be streamed on Facebook. I hope you can join us!

Thank you for your support!

Note from LSM: Illias is eligible to receive up to $500 from LSM as a 50% match to funds raised. In other words, if he raises $1,000, Illias will be eligible for the full match. Any funds raised beyond that will help to further defray costs for Illias's family. To contribute towards Illias's tuition, you can give two ways:

Online through this page. Givebutter will automatically apply online processing fees (which you can opt out of paying) and a suggested "tip" (which you can set to zero). If you do not pay the online processing fee, LSM will. This will not affect your payment amount toward Illias's tuition.
Mail a check to LSM, PO Box 8687, Minneapolis, MN 55408. Checks should be made out to Lutheran Summer Music, with Illias's name in the memo line.

Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (LSM) is the nation’s premier faith-based music academy for high school students. In addition to advanced musical instruction and numerous performance opportunities, LSM students form an intentional community, living together for four weeks on a Lutheran college campus. Since 1981, this unique and immersive program has guided the lives of young musicians who credit LSM as the starting place for their future careers and vocations.

LSM was founded to celebrate and extend the rich musical heritage of the Lutheran church. Our founders believed that by providing high-quality training and performance opportunities to young musicians they could cultivate a lifelong love of classical and sacred music, thus preserving these art forms for generations to come.

Illias P. LSM 2026 Tuition

Help Illias get to LSM!