Julian B

RIPYWE

Dear Friends & Family,
My name is Julian Branchaud, and I am a 15-year-old high school student from Glocester, RI. I play five instruments, and I've been dedicated to the oboe since 6th grade, recently adding the English horn in 9th.
​I have an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join a musical tour with RIPYWE through Amsterdam, Belgium, Normandy and Paris. We'll play in historically rich venues, including American WWII sites, and immerse ourselves in the beautiful history and sights of these countries. A highlight for me will be visiting Lorée, where the finest oboes are made - a dream come true!
​The total cost for this amazing experience is $5,600, which covers my airfare, meals, transportation and lodging. Being able to perform internationally and explore 3 different countries would be an unparalleled experience. I'm reaching out for your support. 90% of the dollars you donate will go directly to me and the rest to help others in need. Thank you for your consideration.

About this fundraiser:

The Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensemble (RIPYWE) is a select group of the finest high school musicians and is sponsored by the RI Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School. Each year RIPYWE performs the highest quality wind band music to challenge and showcase these students. However, next June of 2026, RIPYWE will be doing something even more exciting: RIPYWE and Alumni will be doing a concert tour of Europe. During the tour, RIPYWE will perform concerts in Amsterdam, Belgium, Normandy, and Paris to honor our country’s participation in WWII, and celebrate its Director's 50th year as a Music Educator. RIPYWE's performers will be working hard over the next months to practice and rehearse the music, along with striving to raise the needed funds to make this a possibility.

As one way to raise funds to support this special experience, RIPYWE will be holding a 7 hour Rehearse-A-Thon on Sunday, September 7th, from Noon to 7 pm, at The RI Philharmonic Music School in East Providence.

We are hoping that you can support the Rehearse-A-Thon fundraiser by pledging an amount per hour (7 max), or you can make a simple flat donation. Know that 100% of your donation (minus any credit card processing fees) goes directly to RIPYWE to support the trip. So please help RIPYWE out if you can by donating online. You are also free to send a donation by check, made out to “RI Philharmonic Music School” – (RIPYWE Trip in the memo line) and send to RI Philharmonic Music School 667 Waterman Ave. East Providence, RI 02914. Thank You. Dr. David Neves, Director, RI Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensembles

Your donations will help pay for:

• Travel expenses
• Instrument rentals in Europe
• Some financial support for individual students in need