July 30 UPDATE: The Immigrant Song fundraiser has ended and I’m overwhelmed with the amount of support shown by friends, colleagues and strangers alike. From July 27-29, we raised an incredible $1,925 to support families separated at the U.S. Mexico border. These funds were raised through the sheet music sales of “Immigrant Song” and donated to RAICES, an organization providing crucial services for these families. I was touched to see so much support for these families and would like to thank everyone who contributed to this important cause. I encourage everyone to continue to support social causes through volunteerism and activism. It’s easy to passively normalize the negativity in our world through our inactions. Let’s keep fighting the good fight.

With love,

Ivan

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July 27: The family separation crisis at the U.S. Mexico border has hit home for me, both as a new parent and as the son of a Mexican immigrant. Despite court deadlines, hundreds of children, mothers and fathers remain affected. From July 27 – 29, I’m donating 100% of profits from my marimba solo “Immigrant Song” to RAICES, a charitable organization that provides representation, counseling and other crucial services to these families. If you play marimba and want to help the cause, pick up a copy of “Immigrant Song” at this link and spread the word if you can. If you don’t play marimba but still want to help the cause, purchase the piece at the link above and I’ll gift your sheet music to a public school in Texas while donating your funds to RAICES ($25). Thank you so much for considering.

With sincere gratitude,

Ivan