Stephen
Silva
Submitted:
October 11, 2023
Awarded
: $
816
Contact Information:
Stephen
Silva
4119 30th Avenue Apt. #3F
Astoria
NY
11103
USA
9172268261
Reference 1:
Lisa Terry
Reference 2:
Scot Zoid
Summary of Submitted Materials:
I am including the invoice I received from IKA Cases showing the total cost of the case and shipping (in euros since they are based in the Czech Republic).
Submitted Documents:
Submitted Recordings:
Committee Notes:
Project Description:
I'm Stephen Silva, a new-ish member of the Viola da Gamba community living in New York City. After attending Conclave this past summer, my passion for the instrument has grown significantly. I'm eager to take my lessons and study to the next level, but I'm facing a challenge with my current soft case, which doesn't provide adequate protection for my bass viol during my NYC subway and bus commute.
I'm seeking support from the Viola da Gamba Society of America through this Grants-in-Aid application to acquire a suitable hard, lightweight case for my bass viol. Unfortunately, as a Non-Profit Program Director in a NYC public school, I can't afford this expense personally at the moment.
I've identified the ideal case through IKA cases in the Czech Republic, recommended by a few other viol players and my current teacher, Lisa Terry. I've already contacted them, provided measurements, and have an invoice ready for this application. If I receive this grant, I'd be immensely thankful to the Society and will promptly proceed with the case purchase from IKA.
Request Amount:
$
816
Total Project Cost:
$
816
Budget and Additional Funding:
Qualifications:
I embarked on my journey as a viol player in the spring of 2019 when I began taking lessons under the guidance of my first teacher, Scot Zoid. His mentorship has been instrumental in shaping my love for the viola da gamba. Initially, I had never envisioned the opportunity to find a teacher within my budget, but Scot generously took me under his wing, nurturing my passion for the viol and meeting me where I was financially at the time.
Unfortunately, the onset of the pandemic in 2020 disrupted our regular lessons for nearly a year because it was hard to make virtual lessons work for us. However, I was determined to work through it and resumed my studies in-person again in 2021. Since then, I have had the privilege of participating in a weekly consort of viols alongside Scot and his friends in New York City on top of our lessons. This collective experience was transformative, helping me progress from a beginner to an intermediate level player. It was what eventually led me to attend Conclave with confidence in my abilities this past summer.
To further my commitment, I became a member of the Viola da Gamba Society almost two years. As a result, I have been able to immerse myself in the rich world of early music and have fallen in love. My experience at Conclave and my time within the Society have solidified my commitment to this instrument and its enchanting sounds. I am not pursuing the viol as a career, but rather out of a deep-seated love for its unique timbre and the rich history it embodies. I believe that the financial support from this grant will not only enable me to continue my personal growth as a player but also empower me to further the Society's mission through my learning and active involvement in future Society events.
In summary, my experience, dedication, and the transformative impact of the viola da gamba on my life make me a suitable candidate for this grant. I am genuinely grateful for the joy and opportunities the instrument and the Society have provided me, and I am committed to paying this forward by contributing to the Society's mission in every way I can.