Accents & Illuminations

Walker|West Newsletter: April 2023

Spring is upon us, and we’re stepping to a tune of our own. We’re growing through music with new collaborations, fresh takes on our programming, and a prosperous future ahead. Keep reading this newsletter for insight on upcoming events, and to learn how to ask your senators to support Walker|West!

Let the Music In!

Spring opportunities to explore with Walker|West

Prepare to take a trip to Eau Claire, WI, for the Eau Claire Jazz Fest. Two Walker|West Youth Jazz Ensembles will be performing April 22nd. Take a moment to find out more! Gather with us, and support our young musicians this weekend!

Also on the Horizon:

Saturday, April 29th, we’re partnering with She Rock She Rock for their long-running bi-monthly “She Rock All Ages Open Jam.” This is a collaborative event for women, femmes, and non-binary musicians of all ages and skill levels to sing or play with the professional women musicians of the She Rock house band–or just relax and enjoy the performance. Young music lovers and learners are encouraged to rock the stage! Let’s prop up future performers–let’s rock! The event runs 2-5pm at Walker|West.

See more event details for She Rock all ages Open Jam!

Senate Bill #SF674; requesting appropriation for Walker|West

Help Walker|West gain state support for our Capital Campaign!
Join us on the quest for senatorial votes in support of Walker|West Music Academy. This specific request will contribute to the renovation costs of our organization’s future home, a necessary and deserved expansion of our learning space, and programming. Our initial request was for $5.4 million, in which $2.5 million was successfully appropriated with House support. Let’s secure support from the senate for the full amount!

If the Minnesota Senate Committee on Capital Investment moves to approve, this funding reinforces Walker|West as a major community cultural hub in Rondo. While Senator Klobuchar did give us a shoutout on twitter last month for our recognition by the NBA Foundation, Now is the time to let your senator know that they should vote to appropriate funds for Walker|West Music Academy. Every action towards our Capital Campaign helps us grow through music and improve our community. Here are the steps you can take!

Click to listen to our Executive Director at a recent hearing before the committee

Time is on your side!

Register for our remaining summer camps
While slots for camps are filling up quickly, we have openings left for two out of the three camps we’re offering this summer!

Summer Jazz Intensive is for middle school and high school youth who are new to jazz or experienced in jazz music, and want to improve their improvisation skills.

The Summer Jazz Violin workshop is designed for violin students looking to branch out from traditional classical music, or desire to improve their improvisational skills.

Find out more details regarding summer camps on our website. Tuition assistance is available.