Pursuing a Dream

A post by Rebecca Shasberger

Last Wednesday I played for about 75 residents in a cinder block “chapel” filled with plastic chairs at the Grafton Correctional Institution, a medium security prison nearby. After playing a movement of Gaspar Cassadó’s Suite for Solo Cello, one of them remarked that it reminded him of a scene from Much Ado About Nothing. I don’t know what your stereotypes of people in prison may be, but this response certainly challenged mine! It was such an enjoying and fulfilling evening of sharing music and talking with the residents- hearing their questions, listening to their insightful feedback, and sharing some laughs along the way. I can’t wait to do more of this kind of thing with Renovare once it comes into being. My vision is to have a quartet that brings hope and healing through music, and to have this ensemble become the central part of my professional work.

In April I set out to raise $5,000 by the end of May so that I could confidently recruit other musicians to join me in this quartet. I am humbled and honored to report that with almost a week left in May I have received over $5,400! Words can’t quite describe how thankful I am for those of you who have chosen to support this quartet while it is even yet in formation.

It’s exciting (and at times daunting!) to know that this is just the beginning of bringing Renovare to fruition, especially if it is going to be a sustainable ensemble. Alongside continued fundraising efforts I will be working hard this summer to identify the other members of this quartet and make plans for our activities this fall. I’ve had some encouraging exchanges with players who are excited about the mission of this quartet, but there is a long way to go before its ranks are filled.

I’ve been dreaming and praying about this quartet for years- I’m so thankful to be in a position where I can pursue it, and to have people like you to share the journey with me.