Anonymous Donor to Match Up to $25K Raised for 2017 Wind Symphony Trip to Carnegie Hall

ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA — Winthrop University senior music education major Lori Lynne Hurst never dreamed she'd perform at Carnegie Hall. But sometimes, with enough hard work, focus and determination, even the wildest dreams come true.

"I couldn't be more excited to perform at such a prestigious venue where so many other great musicians have played before me," said Hurst. She and fellow Winthrop Wind Symphony members will travel to New York City in March 2017 for a once-in-a-lifetime performance at Carnegie Hall on March 28. To help fund the trip, the Department of Music has reached out to the Winthrop community. An anonymous donor and longtime Winthrop supporter has agreed to match all gifts dollar for dollar-up to $25,000-made in support of the symphony's trip to New York.

President Dan Mahony said that the Wind Symphony's Carnegie Hall appearance presents an important opportunity to support the ambition and talent of Winthrop's students.

"The upcoming Carnegie Hall performance marks a tremendous achievement for the Wind Symphony and for the university. I encourage the Winthrop community to support this extraordinary opportunity to showcase our students' talent and take Winthrop to a national stage," said Mahony. He has called for an increased focus on fundraising as a key priority for Winthrop in the recently unveiled strategic plan.

The Wind Symphony will travel by bus to New York City, and on the way students will perform at two high schools — one in Durham, North Carolina, and the second near Washington, D.C. These stops will bring attention to the Carnegie Hall concert and assist the Department of Music in recruiting the finest high school musicians to study at Winthrop. The Carnegie Hall performance will showcase the "high-level artistry" of the Wind Symphony, said Director of Bands Lorrie Crochet.

"Carnegie Hall is one of the greatest performing halls in the world, and groups cannot simply ˜walk off the street' to perform," said Crochet. "I am quite proud of the music-making and commitment the students have shown this fall in our preparations for the spring trip."

Specific gift opportunities include the following levels:

• Student Scholarship Sponsor — $1,000
• Music Faculty Sponsor — $1,500
• Travel Sponsor — $2,500
• High School Recruiting and Concert Sponsor — $3,500
• Hospitality Sponsor — $6,000
• Encore Sponsor — $10,000

Gifts can be sent to the Winthrop University Foundation, 302 Tillman Hall, Rock Hill, SC 29733. Please make checks payable to Winthrop University Foundation, or give online at /advancement/make-a-gift.aspx, then search and designate your support to the Wind Symphony.

For more information, contact Meredith Carter, communications coordinator, at 803/323-2236 or carterm@winthrop.edu.