Musicalings

Comments for Contest Alert: Win 2 tickets to Yo-Yo Ma!

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Mary Jo:

Why do I believe I deserve tickets to the glorious Yo- Yo Ma concert? I simply need a light at the end of my terrible tunnel, as this week has been, and will continue being, totally rediculous. I had a quiz in Money and Banking Monday morning, a quiz in Intermediate Finance Monday night, an exam in International Finance this evening, and an exam in Intermediate Accounting Thursday afternoon. O, wait hold on! In addition to attending school full time (IUPUI --> finance major --> deans list!), I also work 30 hours a week for demanding lawyers (but I do love them!). I am barely hanging on, and if I had Yo Yo Ma to look forward to, I might be able to survive! Please let Yo-Yo Ma will be the light at the end of my tunnel!!

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Marianella Moreno:

My son is 5 and is studying cello. He said: "Mommy, you should go and see Yo Yo Ma so you can show me how he does it!". He loved the Sesame Street video.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by D. Blake Wagner:

My wife and I would love to see this concert. My fondest memories of Yo Yo Ma are from my thesis research of the association of music to architecture and a video where he performs Bach's Suite No. 2 while in a virtual world based on Piranesi's eighteenth century images. Yo Yo Ma went to great lengths to be sure the musical recording was appropriate for the virtual world they would place him in by recording in a large space to achieve the reverberation desired. Great stuff, thanks for the opportunity to win the tickets!

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Joshua Bright:

I think I would deserve to go to the Yo-Yo Ma concert, because I am a music major at Ball State, but I have never the got the chance to see an actual professional orchestral performance, let alone such an amazing concert as this one. I feel that the opportunity would really enrich my education and help me to get a greater understanding of what it is like to be a great professional musician.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Jon Feustel:

The reason I should win a pair of tickets to the Yo Yo Ma concert is a matter of reunion. It has been six years since I personally protected Yo Yo Ma's cello at a post-concert event when I worked for the SPCO in St. Paul, Minnesota. It would only be fair for his cello and me to be united again, right?

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Cynthia Holzhauer:

Usually the winners of these contests tell a tale of disaster, despair, tragedy and triumph. I'm not a victim of a hate crime, a cancer survivor, or without work and down on my luck. So why does she think she deserves to win these Yo-Yo Ma tickets? Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Great music doesn't make my lashes appear darker, longer and thicker. It doesn't absorb thirty times it's weight, keep my heating bill low when the temperature drops, or serve as the fastest, easiest way to sexy abs. Music does a little more. It makes the endorphins surge through my body as the greatest natural high. The thought of hearing Yo-Yo Ma play live gives me the same sensation as a child's anticipation of Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Great Pumpkin, and the Tooth Fairy visiting – all in one night. Oh, and it would definitely also be that child's birthday, complete with cake and ice cream. It's that amazing something that is felt, but never able to be quantified. That is the power of great music, even when you're all grown up like me.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Hap:

I enjoy the complexity of Yo-Yo Ma but also his tenderness when he massages the strings of that beauty. There is no "me" in winning the tickets, it's about all of us enjoying the sounds together.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Vanessa Myers:

Does one NEED to explain their need to hear Yo Yo Ma perform live? Hey, if it paves the way for me to be able to, I'm all in! Besides the fact that it's been a dream of mine for years to hear him perform in person, I just can't bear the idea that he is so close yet so far away (because it sold out). I've been brainstorming ways to get to hear him. Chairs in the lobby? Help on the lighting scaffolds? Hey, I'd stand the whole concert if that's what it took! The thought of being in the concert and allowing the magic that is Yo Yo Ma to wash over my over-worked brain and refresh my soul is too delicious to even imagine.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Erica Ardali:

I would love to attend this concert. I work in social services and help hundreds of people each day find needed services in their area. I love music and rarely get to attend events due to costs and obligations to my community. I attended my first ISO concert on opening night a couple of weeks ago and was floored by the music. Thanks for considering me for this oppurtunity. Erica Ardali

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Lauren Good:

My story isn't terribly unique, but I really want those tickets! My husband & I are around 30, and indulged in season tickets for the first time last year (up in the second mezz, but you gotta start somewhere!). We loved them and were thrilled to see the 09-10 lineup -- until my husband fell victim to the scourge of unemployment sweeping the nation. On a single income from my not-for-profit job, there was no way we could consider renewing our subscription, and I was crushed to see the "SOLD OUT" sign plastered on the Symphony window as I walk past it on a regular basis. We love music, we love the ISO, and we love Yo-Yo Ma! And now that my husband has a new job (as of 2 weeks ago), we pray we get to go to more concerts this year -- even if you don't take pity on us and you give these tickets to some other well-deserving couple. Thanks for the chance!

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Scott:

Like many others I found out about the performance after the sell-out. I would love to be able to attend! After working seven day weeks since the middle of August this would be a wonderful break for some relaxation. Between being a Pastor and Teacher I am ready for some relaxation and something to get my mind off of mine and everyone else's problems. I am sure there are others who deserve them more but thought I would throw my hat in the ring.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Matt wright:

I don't deserve the free tickets but I would love to inspire my son by taking him on his 11th birthday to the concert. He is a ver gifted musician and would benefit immensly from this opportunity. If I don't get the tickets, though, I hope they go to someone that plans to take a child. Great idea ISO!

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Jessenia Barron:

I will not say that I deserve to win these tickets; however, they would make this hectic time of my life a little brighter. See, my wedding is in 10 days. Throughout the planning, my fiancé and I have both been working full-time, attending school half-time, and he took on an internship on top of everything. Last month, my mother had an accident that left her to the point of not thinking she would be able to attend the wedding—imagine your mom not being able to be there on one of your biggest days. Thankfully, she has been doing fabulously at her rehab, but the accident also means we have had to add hospital visits and home-tending to our already hectic schedule. Plus, we’re not taking a honeymoon; so, it’s back to everyday, busy life for us. Tomorrow’s concert would be like a mini-mini-holiday for us and a bit of a relief! If I don’t win, though, I vote for Marianella as long as she takes her son—awesome musicians make a lasting impression (I’ll never forget seeing Louis Bellson and Arturo Sandoval perform when I was young.).

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Carol J.:

My daughter is a 7th grade cellist taking private lessons, as well as orchestra everyday at her Greenwood school. Her older sister was fortunate enough to seeYo-Yo Ma years ago at the Univ. of IL. The rest of us have not and would so love to be in his audience. Thank you.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by SLP:

Over the past few years I have been broadening my music interests. However, I have not come across Yo-Yo Ma as of yet. After reading Yo-Yo Ma's biography it sounds like he is a great musician with great talents. I am also impressed with the fact that he has a calling to teach and bring young people into music by allowing them to listen and learn as well as do it themselves. Yo-Yo Ma sounds like a musician that I would like to know more about.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Orlando Ramirez:

I need to win these tickets because of my current studies of "musicking" as described by the ethnomusicologist, Chritopher Small. I want to see the dynamic between the musician and the audience. This relationship is vital to our current situation with classical music being "pushed out" by the current (and not-so-current) pop-music phenomenon. Getting these tickets will aid me in my studies.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Dan Taver:

I'll drive all the way from Columbus, Ohio, cultural armpit of the midwest, to see this

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Laurie:

I’m writing to win the Yo-Yo Ma tickets. Many others who have posted comments certainly have compelling reasons to win, but I would absolutely love to go to the concert, and here’s why. Many years ago, I was in a stage competition and playing cello was my talent. Unfortunately, the stagehand dropped my cello, and a tiny crack started to form on the base of the top. Over the years, the crack just grew and grew. Eventually, I came to the sad realization that I would have to loosen the strings for good, put the cello in the case, and not play it again until I could afford to get it repaired. I went off to college and studied audio engineering and film/video production, and one day, the head of the Music Department learned of my cello-playing past. I was immediately hooked up with the cello professor at the school, and she graciously allowed me to practice and play school recitals on a college-owned instrument. As a quick side note, Yo-Yo Ma performed a concert at our university, and I was the student selected to meet him backstage. Although we only spoke for all of 30 seconds, I was touched by his kind spirit and genuine sincerity when we met. After graduating from college, I was swept up in finding a job and moving in to my own apartment. Sadly, cello playing took a back seat because my poor cello was still in its case in the corner of my living room with a crack that, at this point, extended almost the entire length of the top. Flash forward 10 years.... Although I had periodically mentioned to my husband, Matt, that I wanted to some day be able to play my cello again, I always felt that he never “really” listened to me or cared too much to do anything about it. After all, he was not a musician, and he wouldn’t have the first clue about who to call to make the necessary repairs. He would always just smile and say, “That would be wonderful, honey. I would love to hear you play someday.” On the day of our wedding just over a month ago, it was important to us to have personal touches throughout the ceremony and reception. One of those personal touches was to have my former private cello teacher, Liz, (who I took lessons from in grade school) and her daughter, Anna, play cello duets for our guests during the cocktail hour. As soon as Matt and I got off the elevator and arrived at the cocktail hour, we were swarmed by friends and family congratulating us on our marriage. However, Matt took me by the hand and led me straight to where Liz and Anna were playing, and he said to me, “Laurie, I know you recognize Liz and Anna, but does anything else look familiar?” I looked down at the cello my former teacher was playing, and I looked up at Matt, and I instantly knew what he had done. My cello had been repaired, and Liz was playing it!! (Please see the link, http://twitpic.com/jpt3k, for the picture. This was right before I burst in to tears.) After I quit crying tears of joy, I had a million questions for Matt as to how he was able to pull off such a wonderful surprise! He told me that he had gotten in touch with Liz, and she was able to recommend to Matt everything he needed to know about getting my cello repaired. The rest of the plot consisted of Matt sneaking the cello out of the house in the mornings when I was still alseep, so he could take it to the repair shop. It took three months of work, but the crack is completely repaired. We didn’t leave for our honeymoon until two days after our wedding, so the night after our big day, we procrastinated from packing and instead, I played my cello for the first time in front of my husband. After not playing for ten years, you can imagine, I was a bit rusty, but I still knew exactly where my old practice books were located. Before I knew it, I was playing “Happy Farmer” and “Minuet in G” with ease! Yo-Yo Ma is a cellist of extraordinary talent. As you can imagine, I have many of his recordings, and I just love listening to him play. And now that I’m playing again , I would love to get the opportunity to hear him play once more in concert. Thanks for reading.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Ryan McConnell:

Hello, I am writing in reference to the Yo-Yo Ma concert tickets. I was reluctant at first to write but I felt compelled to do so because it is not me that primarily deserves the tickets, but my grandmother. I would love to take her to enjoy this concert tomorrow, and here is my reason why. I myself, am 25 years old and am a care coordinator (social worker) at a non-profit for HIV/AIDS called The Damien Center. I work very hard at what I do, and it has been especially hard lately. Due to some in office disagreements, we here at The Damien Center have experienced quite a bit of turnover lately. I began working here as a care coordinator 10 months ago amidst some restructuring. I was a part of a team of 9 care coordinators whose job is to provide assistance with housing, insurance, food, and general social support to our clients. Due to the struggles of late, 6 of the 9 care coordinators resigned and took positions else where. As we are the largest AIDS Service Organization in the State, you can imagine what this meant for the remaining three of us as care coordinators. Times have been tough, and I generally work from 9:30 to 7:00 without taking a lunch break just to help our clients and their families with their needs. I then take my computer home with me to write casenotes for the client’s files. Now we have hired new care coordinators and they are in training, but they are not allowed to see clients at this time. So, needless to say, work has been stressful. I wouldn’t stop doing it for anything though. I genuinely believe that what we do here greatly impacts our community. It is rewarding but it can be trying at times. Sometimes my work creates time barriers for me to take time for myself and spend time with the ones I love. This includes my fiancé, my parents, and my grandparents. Now, I am not stating all this to label myself as a “hero” by any means. Those are just the facts. The true hero (or heroine) is my grandmother. My grandmother just turned 75 yesterday and she is a true hero. She has been such an integral part of my life. Growing up having two parents that worked, my grandmother took care of my brother and I before and after school and in the summer time. So many of my childhood memories involve my grandma and her love. From learning how to swim, to my first years in school, to starting to like girls, to playing sports, to making some important changes in my life, to becoming a man. My parents and my grandmother are responsible for who I am today. There is no way that I would be who I am without her guidance. Now, I’m not perfect, but to be honest, I like who I am. As a child, I struggled at times with having ADHD. I acted out and got into my share of predicaments. My grandma always stuck by my side though. It taught me a life lesson. It taught me to not give up on people, to have faith in the good in people. It enabled me to be good at what I do. Not only in the work I do now working with the impoverished, the sickly, and those who weren’t blessed with the same opportunities that I had, but also in the previous work I did as an addiction’s therapist before I worked at The Damien Center. Now, my grandma’s health is fading. I try to spend as much time with her as I can in my hectic world. It’s been hard to do so lately because of what’s been going on at work. I wish I could see her more often. Every Wednesday I do go have dinner with her and my grandfather. She pushes herself, breathing heavily as she struggles with severe asthma, to make a meal for my fiancé and I even though I ask her not to. That’s just the kind of lady she is, her love for us supersedes her own concern for herself. I could only hope to be the kind of person she is. She is truly wonderful. So, why does my grandmother deserve to go to this concert? Well, as I said, I am a social worker and as you may realize, I don’t make much money. Also, her 75th birthday was September 29th. I, being broke, couldn’t afford to get her anything for this special birthday except for a card and a bag of her favorite candy. An opportunity to see a world famous performer such as Yo-Yo Ma would be so special to her. We are avid supporters of the ISO. This year we attended 5 Symphony on the Prairie events, Led Zeppelin, and we always go to Yuletide every year. (My grandma’s favorite was “Time for Three”) The ISO has become a family tradition since my childhood. I love the symphony and so does she! My mother usually buys us the tickets and the table so we can go, and I am so thankful for that. This time, it would be absolutely wonderful to surprise my grandmother and take her to see this concert. It would be a very memorable experience for her. Plus, you would help out a hard working guy give his grandmother a belated birthday gift that she genuinely deserves. I would love the opportunity to spend time with my grandma doing something that we both love to do so much, see the symphony. So, in conclusion, I hope that you will consider my entry. I understand that many of the stories posted here will be compelling and heartfelt. I apologize for the long winded entry. I just enjoy writing, especially when it is about something that I love to write about, how great my grandmother is and how deserving of kindness she is. I am sure that you will choose the most deserving person for this great opportunity. Thank you so much!

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Tina Lester:

This would be a wonderful Birthday present for my daughter. She will be turning 14 on Monday and she has been playing in the orchestra at her school for 4 years. She loves to see the ISO when she can and would be over the moon if she got to go. I would love to be able to suprise her with such a gift.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Chad Sprinkles:

I'm not going to go into a pity party or a 5 paragraph soliloquy I am simply a huge fan of Yo-Yo Ma but have never had the opportunity to see him in live performance. No one plays cello like he does and I would LOVE to see him live. Also I am a huge fan of John Williams and anyone good enough to play for John Williams deserves to be seen in person. Due to a recent, forced move I couldn't get tickets until I got some bills caught up and then got paid again. By the time that happened the tickets were sold out. I was extremely disappointed and I have been watching e-bay and craigslist for decently priced tickets but have been unable to find any. Thank you for the opportunity to win these tickets

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Neil Copley:

As a professional keyboard player teaching general music, beginning band and high school orchestra at a private school, my days and weeks are long. I am stuck hearing only my own playing as the best live music in my rut--I would cherish the opportunity to experience the best in the world accompanied by 70 masters, all better than I... Whoever wins, enjoy the magic!

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Corinn:

"Yo-Yo ...What's his name?!?" I'll never forget the first time I heard Yo-Yo Ma. The radio interview commenced, but I was still skeptical. "Isn't that a famous rapper??" ...I mused. "What is he doing on the Classical station?" Then he spoke. Ma talked about his cello like it was an extension of his soul. He described the feeling of the bow across the strings. Colors created from music. Luscious sounds, advanced technique, haunting melodies... And so I fell in love with Yo-Yo Ma before I even heard him play. Ever since my charming radio introduction to the musician, I've been enthralled by his words and his music. Now I can think of nothing better than hearing a live performance of my favorite cellist, Yo-Yo ...What's-his-name!!

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Sherri:

Why do I deserve these tickets? Heck if I know BUT what I do know is how much my 22-year old son loves all types of music, including the symphony, and how much he wants to see this concert. Also, I think it would just be a fun evening to be able to attend a concert of this nature with my son.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Janille:

I was sorely disappointed when I found out that this concert was sold out! Yo Yo Ma is one of my favorites and I've not yet had the opportunity to hear him live. However....after reading the comments above, I can't, in good conscience declare that I NEED these tickets when I see so many others who truly do. So then, please consider this comment a vote for Jessenia Barron. Music has an amazing power to soothe and encourage the soul, and it sure sounds like she needs it! Here's to you, Jessenia! I really hope you get the tickets and I hope your wedding is wonderful :)

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Chad :

I would like to have the chance to see Yo Yo Ma along side the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra because it would be a welcome change of pace in my life and would be of great inspiriation to take the performace of someone as talented as Yo Yo Ma out into life and share that with others.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Alberto:

Why do I believe I deserve tickets to the Yo- Yo Ma concert? It's a very simple question. I LOVE classical music! I am certain of the high quality of what this performance will give to its audience.For that reason I can honestly say that if I don't win the tickets I will continue to love classical music, but if I have the opportunity to listen to one of the best cello players in the world, my mind, passion and knowledge for classical music will be greater. Therefore, one day I will be able to share this unique experience with anyone who loves classical music, but most importantly I would be able to share this with my future patients. Thanks.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Lauren Alayza:

Dear ISO, My name is Lauren Alayza, and I am a seventeen-year-old aspiring cellist. It is my dream to become a fine cellist, (as fine as Yo-yo Ma!) and to play chamber music professionally someday. I have only been playing about five years, but I try my hardest to make it seem as if I have been studying much longer. I am not like most student musicians, in fact, I believe someone with my situation is rare and unusual to come by. A few years after I began playing cello, I was diagnosed with a debilitating rare condition, that is not completely diagnosed yet. It has been a great four-year struggle to deal with the infinite debilitating symptoms, including arthritis which is difficult to deal with for any musician. Despite my pain, extreme fatigue, and occasional depression, I make it to all my lessons and rehearsals every week, and I have noticed an intriguing ongoing pattern. After every cello lesson, I leave feeling the best I have felt that day. Cello lessons quickly became a sort of distraction therapy, an escape, if you will, to my other life; my feeble reality. When I practice and play my cello, I am quickly engulfed in music and concentration to produce the best sound I possibly can, and voila, before I even know it, I have forgotten all of my aches and pains! Because of this epiphany I have had with music and its healing powers, I have vowed to dedicate my efforts of cello playing and practicing to someday help others experience this wonderful phenomenon we call music. I want to see (and meet!) Yo-yo Ma at the Hilbert Theatre this Thursday because Yo-yo Ma gives me inspiration as a musician, and as a cellist. I have followed his music from Sesame Street, to the Inauguration of President Obama, to duets with some of my favorite rising musicians, like Andrew Bird. Yo-yo Ma is inspiring to me because he is so open-minded to: different genres of music, collaborating with new and rising musicians, and I am sure he would be open-minded about exploring the healing possibilities music can offer to the world today.

Thursday, October 1, 2009 by Karl:

I am an aspiring young cellist studying far away from my home. Seeing Yo-Yo Ma perform would be a dream come true. To be a good musician one has to witness true mastery of the cello. As the ambassador of his craft, there is no one better than Yo-Yo Ma.

Thursday, October 1, 2009 by Ruth:

He makes my heart sing!

Thursday, October 1, 2009 by Matt:

Dear Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, A unique and compelling answer…well I can’t compete with any of above entries for “deserving” these tickets. I am just your normal working Joe. So if the scope of this post is for those that deserve tickets, please overlook me because I am not worthy compared to those who have already posted. But! If you are interested in a unique and compelling answer (as advertised), I can provide a poem! -There was once Matt trying to impress his mate,- -He was quite the average fellow.- -So he planned this fantastic date,- -To see his wife drool over some dude on a cello.- -Little did he know it was the Yo-Yo Ma show,- -An evening at the Indianapolis Symphony,- -And tickets are sold out! “On No!”- -So please help Matt through your empathy.- -Two tickets would surely make my night.- -Hearing the Dvorák’s Cello Concerto in B Minor,- -From Yo-Yo Ma would be quite the sight,- -And would really make my date finer.- Vote for Matt, my wife and I would so love it!

Thursday, October 1, 2009 by Phyllis L. Gray:

This year has been full of change. Having been compelled to take early retirement from my former job, I now work with mentally challenged students at a local high school. It has been challenging and rewarding, and I find my life now exciting and full of purpose. Tickets to this concert would be a wonderful celebration of the closing of one door and the opening of another. It would also go a long way in helping me ignite my desire to play the piano and violin that I’ve neglected during this year of transition.

Thursday, October 1, 2009 by Bradley King:

Yo-yo Ma

Thursday, October 1, 2009 by Deb R.:

Simply, it would be both a privilege and a delight to give honor to whom honor is due!

Thursday, October 1, 2009 by GR:

Any friend of Mr. Rogers is a friend of mine!

Thursday, October 1, 2009 by Penny Clift:

Yo Yo Ma has been an idol of mine since I became a cellist. My son also plays the cello. I feel that attending the concert on Oct. 1 would be the most unforgettable experience I could have with my son. It is the once in a lifetime dream of all cellists, to experience the magic and in person time with an icon of this magnitude.

Thursday, October 1, 2009 by Colin J. Ramsey:

I am a student cellist at DePauw University and have never see Yo-Yo play even though I have seen or heard all of his CD's, Videos, PBS (T.V.) and NPR (radio) appearances. If I were to win the tickets, I would take my dear friend Catlin, also a DePauw cellist who too has never experienced the great Yo-Yo in concert.

Thursday, October 1, 2009 by Phil:

I can say nothing more than the experience of hearing yo-yo ma perform live would be a transcendent experience. His artistry and expression reach to the depths of the soul. The citizens of our wonderful city will tonight witness a musician whose talent is truly in the realm of the sublime.

Thursday, October 1, 2009 by Leigh Ann:

It is difficult for me to say why I deserve a pair of tickets to hear one of the greatest classical musicians of all time over another because I, like others, am just an ordinary person with extraordinary dreams. When I listen to the music of Yo-Yo Ma, and see the passion he has for it, I am inspired to continue following my dreams and be passionate about what I do. I have worked and lived in some of the most poverty stricken neighborhoods in the world, but they have something in common: music and community. With music and community, magic happens. Music is meant to be shared, so to see a performance by a musician whose mission it is to share his love of music with the entire world would be unforgettable and even more inspiring than listening to the albums. Hearing Yo-Yo Ma's music around the world, even in small, remote, communities, is phenomenal. Just as I wish to have a chance to see him live, I hope others have the opportunity to see how his music touches people around the world.

Thursday, October 1, 2009 by Jennifer Segner:

For his birthday, I bought my very musical son tickets for tonight's performance the day they went on sale back in July. I gave him 4 tickets, thinking that he would probably take his brother, my husband and me. Well, he asked his brother and his godparents! So I'm not going to the concert--and I'm the one who wanted to see it this most!!!! I am happy he is taking his godparents, but now it's too late for me to get tickets!!! I"m a huge fan of Yo-Yo Ma and have always wanted to see him. While I'm very proud of my son, I can't help but be more than a little disappointed!!!

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