O U R P R O J E C T S
Our
MISSION
Supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation
Ensemble Team Effort
Sound of Wishes has donated a large portion of its funds to the Make-A-Wish Foundation since its founding. Our primary goal is to help grant the wishes of children suffering from critical illnesses. Since 2017, the group has raised more than $5000 for MAW. All donations to SoWE, from either lessons, performances, or others will, be passed on directly to Make-A-Wish Illinois to help fund a child's wish. In addition, every year, the ensemble attends and performs at several MAW events in support of their cause.
Developing Chinese Cultural Appreciation in the Chicago-land Area
Ensemble Team Effort
Throughout the year, SoWE performs at several locations in the Chicago-land Area. We perform a mixture of Eastern and Western music, primarily featuring the guzheng. At these events, if appropriate, SoWE also will interact with the audience, giving brief talks about the guzheng and its relevance as an ancestral Chinese instrument. Most songs performed by the ensemble are arranged by the members themselves, and all rehearsals are youth-led. Our busiest times of the year is especially Chinese New Year! Feel free to reach out to us for event inquiries!
Inspiring Young Musicians in Exploring Eastern Music with Guzheng Lessons
Director: Emily and Sophia Zhao
The Sounds of Wishes Ensembles offers Guzheng lessons! They are available to all young musicians at no cost (however, donations are appreciated). Emily Zhao has been playing Guzheng for eight years and has completed the highest level of achievement for the instrument in Changchun, China. She has also received several first place awards at various competitions both in China and in Illinois. Currently, she has four students. Email soundofwishes@gmail.com if you are interested.
Inspiring Young Musicians in Exploring Eastern Music with Guzheng Lessons
Director: Emily Zhao, Sophia Zhao, Angela Wang
The Sounds of Wishes Ensembles offers Guzheng lessons! They are available to all young musicians at no cost (however, donations are appreciated). Emily Zhao has been playing Guzheng for twelve years and has completed the highest level of achievement for the instrument in Changchun, China. Sophia Zhao has been playing for nine years. Angela Wang has been playing for eleven years. They have all received several awards at various competitions both in China and in Illinois. Email soundofwishes@gmail.com if you are interested!
The Coronavirus Project
Director: Emily Zhao
Currently Sound of Wishes' newest project, we are fundraising to support FeedingAmerica. Our goal is to raise $5000 to help provide healthy meals to kids that are in need during this difficult time. As part of this project, SoWE will be releasing a series of new music videos on our youtube channel to encourage others to donate. We also hope to spread a message that even though many of us are stuck inside our homes, there is still a lot we can do to help our community.
TO DONATE (event over): http://help.feedingamerica.org/goto/sowe
PLEASE NOTE: This project has currently been completed! From March to June 2020, Sound of Wishes worked hard to provide relief to families in need during this pandemic. We have raised almost $4000, equivalent to 40,000 meals provided by Feeding America! Thank you for all the support we have received in guiding our mission for this project!
JV Project: Encouraging Young Musicians in Involvement
Director: Sophia Zhao and Angela Wang
The Sounds of Wishes Ensembles offers young Guzheng enthusiasts and students to join the JV team! On this team they have the opportunity to learn valuable leadership, teamwork, and performance skills! There will be numerous opportunities throughout the year for the JV team to perform. Over time, as their abilities progress and they grow older, they will gradually become integrated into the main team.
Email soundofwishes@gmail.com if you are interested.