My name is Dario. This summer, I have been accepted as a student for Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival. I'm raising funds to help my family better afford this experience for me.

I became an oboist in January of my sophomore year, but before that, I played the clarinet as a freshman and sophomore at my high school. I love everything about playing the oboe, even if it's a very challenging instrument. My favorite composer is Gustav Holst. I think it's really cool that he always puts notes for the musicians/conductor because it gives very valuable insight into his vision. Currently, I'm trying to make concert band arrangements for some classical pieces: Tchaikovsky Symphony no.4 and Dvorak Symphony no.9. I don't know much about music theory but Musescore, which is the application I use, makes everything easier.

I want to attend LSM because I've never done anything like this before. It'll be the first time I ever go to any kind of summer camp for any reason. I'll also be going by myself, which means getting a chance to make new friends who are also passionate about music performance and music in general. My band director (who's done something like this) says it's a great opportunity for me. Additionally, LSM would certainly look good for my college applications and scholarships. The main thing I hope to get out of my LSM experience is having something that will challenge me. It'll be nice to have a whole month dedicated to just music. Another thing I would love to get out of LSM is the musicianship classes, private lessons, and electives like conducting, composition, maybe learning the organ, etc.

Thank you so much for your generosity and for supporting me!

Note from LSM: Online contributions through this page, or checks mailed in Dario's name, will go toward Dario's remaining LSM costs. Please also note: Givebutter automatically adds an online credit card processing fee and a "tip" for Givebutter. You can opt out of either or both, without reducing your contribution toward Dario's goal. To mail a check (and avoid online processing fees), make the check out to "Lutheran Summer Music," with Dario's name in the memo line. Mail checks to LSM, PO Box 8687, Minneapolis, MN 55408. Thank you for supporting Dario!

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.

Dario M. LSM 2025 Tuition

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