Ellis Zipperer-Sánchez
Fundraiser
The goal, the dream . . .
A year has passed since Ellis was accepted to the prestigious Interlochen Performing Arts Academy in Michigan. He has been awarded $48,000 in scholarships and financial aid for his final year, but we still need to raise an additional $25,000 to cover other expenses so that Ellis can continue his musical journey.
The past year has been a once in a lifetime opportunity for a Washington County student to raise himself up to the next level of professionalism in the field of music! His experiences included meeting world class musicians such as trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, director of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, jazz pianist Billy Childs, and jazz guitarist John Scofield.
If you are interested in helping Ellis continue his musical journey, please contact Robert Sánchez at ellissanchezmusic@gmail.com so that we may have a further discussion. Thank you!
Or make check payable to:
Robert Sánchez
Mail to:
196 Cannon Hill Rd
Perry, ME 04667
Venmo
click link or scan:
Wynton Marsalis - trumpet
Billy Childs - piano
John Scofield - guitar
About Ellis
Ellis just completed his junior year at Interlochen Performing Arts School, where he focuses on jazz guitar studies, playing in various bands and combos.
Before transferring to Interlochen, Ellis had been performing with Eastport’s Shead High school’s Jazz band since the 6th grade, winning all sorts of awards for his musicianship. When he was in 6th grade, he helped to lead the high school jazz band to the gold medal for the District 6 Jazz competition. After a break due to Covid 19, the Shead High School jazz band returned to the stage when he was in 8th grade. He led the quartet to the Gold at both Districts and the States. It was also the first year the band went to the National Jazz competition where they took second place in the small combo division. At the high school Nationals as an 8th grader, he won both the ‘Judges Choice Award’ and then the top musician in the division named, ‘Supreme Musician’! That year at the Maine State level, he also received the highest award named the, ‘Dale Huff Award’ for his outstanding musicianship.
The next year as a freshman, he set a new precedent winning the Gold at both the District, and State Jazz competition as a soloist. As a freshman he also received the ‘Dale Huff Award’, for his outstanding musicianship. Ellis was the only person in the history of the Maine State Jazz competition to play unaccompanied.
In 2025, Ellis was the recipient of the "Bright Spark" Flamekeepers Award presented by Bagaduce Music.
This past year - with musical friends at Interlochen and back home in Eastport, Maine!
Ellis' Artist Statement
Music is essential to my future and my present. It is a way to communicate and express my emotions without saying a single word. I'm sure many of you can relate and have the same connection. I feel very blessed to be a musician and to have a focus and goal at such a young age. Interlochen is the opportunity of a lifetime.
In our small town, I didn't have the chance to play music with people from different cultures and experiences. The past year at Interlochen has enabled me to expand my knowledge of the musical world and I look forward to continuing that growth in my senior year and beyond.
I am so very grateful for the support that our community has for me and all the opportunities you have helped me obtain.
Much love,
Ellis!
Donate to help Ellis continue his journey!
Venmo
click link or scan:
Or make check payable to:
Robert Sánchez
Mail to:
196 Cannon Hill Rd
Perry, ME 04667
To discuss other ways you can help Ellis continue his journey, contact Robert Sánchez at: ellissanchezmusic@gmail.com
