The SPECTRA Project

From CARROLLTON:

Being able to talk to ensembles has been a blessing for me- whether it was in person or virtually. Over the past year, my reach to different ensembles has been amazing for me- to interact with people who love or (on the rare occasions) hate my music has been so fun. On the occasions of the virtual meetings, directors have given me a wide range of payments, and again I am so grateful for that- however I want to try something different. This idea has been in my head for quite some time now: a nonprofit event of some form.

I use the phrase "Everyone has a color" often. This phrase means that no matter what background we come from, we all are unique in our own way. We also go through different struggles in life whether it's financial, medical, mental, physical, etc. We often times forget about how beautiful the world is and how in life people need help. If we try our best and give what we can- to strive for the highest forms of this world, then you create a spectra of life.

The Spectra Project is a project I've designed to help with this mission. Each month I will highlight different non profit organizations and fundraisers. To push this project and to make it impactful, I've decided to do something for the first year. For the next year, I will not take payments for 30 minute to 1 hour Zoom Sessions regarding concert band works (i.e. any feedback rehearsals). Instead I only ask you to send a donation of $50 or more to the non-profit highlighted that month.

For the month of July, The Spectra Project will highlight mental health and will be asking you to donate to NAMI. NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

What started as a small group of families gathered around a kitchen table in 1979 has blossomed into the nation's leading voice on mental health. Today, we are an alliance of more than 600 local Affiliates and 49 State Organizations who work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need.

I will also update on where to reach me for sessions.

I also ask to send me a confirmation email/message saying you did donate. Huge thank you for your support and thank you for contributing in this project.

Peace,

Katahj