Categories
Blog

Ribbon Cutting Event

You’re invited

for music and a presentation from

Walker West Music Academy & Representatives from Schmitt Music.

Join us for a very special ribbon cutting for our new

STEINWAY MODEL D piano

on July 7th, 2023 from 7 pm-8 pm

It’s all happening at the

Walker|West Performance Hall, 760 Selby Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104.

This is the first time in the history of Walker|West, that the organization has obtained brand-new pianos for instruction and performances. The expansion of our organization calls for new energy & instruments that become a part of the stories of our students and staff!

Be the first to hear the fresh notes of our brand-new pianos from our world-class piano instructors! Join us for this one-time event, and find out how you can support the permanence of these instruments at Walker|West. Light refreshments will be provided. This is an all-ages event. No RSVP is necessary.

NOTE: This is a fundraising collaboration with Schmitt Music to support the recent lease/purchase of several Steinway pianos for the school

Categories
Blog

MetroNOME Brewery Gives to the Max for Music Education at Walker|West

Our lowertown neighbors, MetroNOME Brewery are making a big impact for our Jazz Ensembles this year for Give To The Max. Earlier this fall the cozy and cool venue hosted a performance by Wynton Marsalis as an addendum to his recent Orchestra Hall appearances. At this event donors raised nearly $4,000 for music education and MetroNOME decided to split the amount between us and our neighbors to the west, Hopewell Music Cooperative North. 

The generous gift is just in time to help us reach our #GTMD22 goal which is focused on getting our accomplished Jazz ensembles gig ready. Our Youth and Adult ensembles have opened for international musicians at the Twin Cities Jazz Fest. They have graced the stage of the Selby Avenue Jazz Fest, performed at the Landmark Center –and recently they opened for (the very same) Wynton Marsalis at Orchestra Hall. ⁣

Our Program Director Tonya Gregory and Founder Grant West went for a tour of the brewery last week. We caught up with Bill Eddins, (Co-Owner, Chief Design Officer, Assistant Brewer and Music Director Emeritus of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra) for a short interview.

How was MetroNOME, a for profit organization with a mission dedicated to music education, conceived?

The year 2020 hit. Come the middle of March –everything I was involved in had disappeared. All my gigs, gone. My wife and I were doing Thai-Yoga massage at our studio, gone. I was a tennis judge, gone. Everything disappeared.

For the first time in my life I found myself with nothing to do. And then in May, we had the riots. My third set of riots. Miami in ‘89, LA in ‘92 and now here. About a month later, I found myself in the shower on a beautiful late June day, getting madder and madder and madder. From the shower window I looked out, through the anger thinking, you should brew today, it’s a perfect day and you should brew today!

The other half of my brain was saying, Bill, you just went through your third set of riots. Why are we fighting the same fight that we were fighting 30 odd years ago? Nothing has changed. Being a musician, my next thought was –we’re not investing in the things that make our society better. Like music and music education. Why are these the first things on the chopping block? It makes no sense. I sat there in the shower, staring at one tile for at least ten minutes. Something clicked. I got out, sent an email to Matt (MetroNOME co-founder/co-owner) and said, Here’s my idea: We’re going to found a brewery and once we’re profitable, we are going to take our proceeds and fund music education for underprivileged youth. 

I sent that email out and didn’t hear from that guy for like TEN DAYS! No call, no text, no reply –I was tempted to drive by his house to see if there was a “For Sale” or “SOLD” sign out in front. Like maybe he disappeared off the face of the planet, to get away from this crazy idea I’d pitched him. 10 days after that he got in touch and said, “yes, this could work.” We started working on MetroNOME from there.

How was the connection to Walker|West made?

Dude, I’m in music! I’m a musician and there is no such thing as 6 degrees of separation in our business– it’s never more than two– so as soon as any little connection gets made, it’s like the neurons are firing. It was utterly inevitable for us to be connected with Walker|West. I’d heard of Walker|West through the years. Before I was involved in building MetroNOME, I’d been hearing about Walker|West. The Twin Cities is a very musically active area, there’s a ton of music going on. It’s one of the big reasons that I like living here.

On the importance of supporting music education:

As much as the Twin Cities is a very active scene, there is a section of society that insists that these things –the arts, music education–that these things, things that make us better as a society are not important. That they are superfluous, are add-ons. Some ask why we would even waste money on these things. This enrages me on every single level because why would you not want to invest in things that make society better? 

It’s as simple as that in my book. Is the money that much more important than living in a civilized society? It’s become my mission to turn that around and to ensure that any kid who wants to learn and study music has the opportunity. When it comes to music education, I will absolutely throw money wherever it can go!

I know that like 4%-5% of these kids may end up in the MN Orchestra (my background is in the classical genres) and that’s fine. I know the other 95% will either play in rock bands, or do jazz, or world music, or may not even do anything musical past high school, but they get that experience. They will understand why music is so important. The fun of it, the joy of it, and the fact that it makes our society better because it brings us together as human beings. 

The whole thing about music, from a sociological standpoint, is that it forces us to interact with one another. Music builds community past racial, gender, sociological barriers and that’s the wonderful thing about it for me!

Is there any common ground between brewing beer and playing music?

Brewing beer is easy, anyone can brew beer. Brewing good beer is pretty easy as well. But brewing a beer that’s good today, good tomorrow and again and again going forward –that’s hard! What we are trying to do is eliminate variables and that’s the same thing you do when you are practicing an instrument. The technique is the same day after day, after day, after day. It’s just that you can use what you’ve learned differently. What if we put the emphasis here, what if we change the amount of an ingredient there. Subtle differences. 

We thank Bill (and Matt) and MetroNOME Brewery for their wonderful gift towards this year’s GTMD goal. Help us get to the goal by November 17th. Gifts of any size whether one-time or recurring make an impact.

Categories
Blog

MUSIC EDUCATION IS A NECESSITY: WALKER|WEST SCHOOL RESIDENCIES

We all start somewhere.

Walker|West started in a small room with a few instruments. Music for students in Rondo in 1988, wasn’t available nor accessible. This is still the case for many African-American students, students in our neighborhood, and students from low- income households.

Just as Rev. Walker and Grant West stepped in to fill a gap then, we are continuing the essential work of opening music education access for students of all ages. What’s a better setting than local schools?

Our Walker|West Without Walls initiative, is central to our strategic direction. Students participate in weekly classes with one or more of our teaching and performing artists, for about 8-12 weeks. Regularly culminating in a final performance at their school for friends and family to enjoy.

Can you recall a time where the study of music was required, and a necessary part of your education? You may have chosen an instrument–like the snare, or trumpet, or maybe even the clarinet. You enjoyed coordinating your fingers and breathing to play those first notes of the scale. Or you might remember how it felt to hit the major milestone of mastering your part in a song. Finally getting that piece of music down pat, from start to finish.

Music creates a powerful, positive mindset when you listen and especially when you learn it. Music education helps build a foundation for future success, something that all students should have access to.

Over the years, Walker|West with support from community and funding partners have been working to change the trajectory of young people through music education. This is the cornerstone of our mission, and we’re ready to keep it going!

SCHOOL RESIDENCIES BY THE NUMBERS

• 2019-2020 School Year: 34 students at 2 Sites
• 2020-2021 School Year: 262 students at 1 site (online)
• 2021-2022 School Year: 170 students at 2 sites

Categories
Blog

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT

Muhkuhi (center) is an active member of our youth violin ensemble, led by instructor Earl Ross.

When you want to know about the future, we feel it’s best to ask those who will help shape it. We checked in with accomplished youth violinist, budding photographer, and long time Walker|West student Muhkuhi about where she thinks we’re headed.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR THE FUTURE OF
WALKER|WEST?

I’m excited to work with new people. We (string students) have gotten to work with some great composers and musicians.

HOW HAS PLAYING AS A MEMBER OF THE KAMOINGE STRING
ENSEMBLE CHANGED YOUR PLAYING / APPROACH TO MUSIC?

Before the ensemble it used to just be playing solo on the strings recitals, with the ensemble we play together. We get to perform in new places with new people and I didn’t have as many opportunities to do that before. I get nervous playing solo because… well, that’s just me, but in Kamoinge everyone is playing something different. But then it all comes together as one piece.

YOUR TWO SISTERS ALSO STUDY VIOLIN. WHAT’S IT LIKE HAVING SIBLINGS STUDYING THE SAME INSTRUMENT?

During the school year we are mostly all practicing on our own. We all have different schedules, but once in a while–like in the summer when we are practicing for the youth symphony we will work together. Sometimes it’s annoying and they don’t listen, but
other times it’s nice to hear what we can play together.

Sometimes we’ll play old duets that we’ve played before. We can always hear each other practicing and it really motivates me to keep practicing.

Walker|West youth ensembles like our Youth Jazz Ensemble and our Kamoinge String Ensemble have opened for, and accompanied professional musicians at the Twin Cities Jazz Fest, Selby Avenue Jazz Fest, Landmark Center, and other local
places. Most recently our youth string ensemble accompanied PaviElle French at the world premiere of “The SOVEREIGN Suite”, an original work which debuted in 2022.

Categories
Blog

IMPROV NEVER SOUNDED SO SWEET

Ernest Bisong, long time Walker|West teaching artist (who originated our Summer Jazz Violin Workshop), stopped to chat with us about all things Walker|West.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO WALKER|WEST?

Long before I came here, I was teaching classical violin in Nigeria, but really wanted to branch out and see what else was out there. I wanted to check out other methods that were non-traditional, especially for string teaching. And so that’s how I wound up here. I had an uncle that was living in Virginia and I came to do a workshop with Dan O’ Connor – I just had to pay for the airfare.

I auditioned at McNally-Smith and they said we’ll pay for you to come study with us. That’s how I got connected to St. Paul. From there, I connected with Solomon Parham, and he introduced me to Walker|West. From there I started teaching individual lessons and teaching at summer camps.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR IN THE NEXT CHAPTER OF
WALKER|WEST?

I think the next chapter is going to be a game-changer. I’m super excited about our Digital Music program. As a team we take a very innovative approach, incorporating beat-making, songwriting and the use of “real” instruments. I’m looking forward to our students and teaching artists having access to more professional
grade equipment and programs for making their own music–something tangible to bring home.

Another thing is more master classes and concerts to bring in and support the best talent around!

With the Summer Jazz Violin camp, I’m really focusing on highlighting string players across the Twin Cities–we’ve got people doing some really cool things.

HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR ROLE IN WALKER|WEST’S FUTURE?

There’s a few things I’m spearheading, on the different teams that I’m involved with. For the strings program, I’m working on creating a repertoire, a master list of compositions for students, just a huge well to pull from. I’d love to continue growing the jazz violin program into a huge thing that everyone wants to be a part of. There’s just so much to explore in using improvisational styles and techniques on this classic instrument.

This is the second year of the workshop, it was 3 days the first year–but this year, it’s going to be a whole week of broadening the possibilities on violin. I’m hoping to help grow our programs
into something with greater recognition both statewide and nationally.

Categories
Blog

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Since this photo from our “At Home” series, the Webber’s have welcomed new little ones, bringing their number up to 10.

THE WEBBER FAMILY (ALL 10 OF THEM) HAVE BEEN A CONSTANT FIXTURE IN OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 2008.

Octavia remembers passing by Walker|West at the old location often as a child. It wasn’t until she was invited to a recital years later, that she discovered all the great things happening inside. “It was just a really warm welcome,” she recalls, “Everyone was so inviting and interested in our family, especially the kids– and it just felt like home.”

Though the Webbers now live in a nearby suburb, Octavia and Jordan see the commute to weekly lessons and summer programs as a key part of their family’s music learning journey. Everyone in their crew who can hold instrument is learning how
to play.

“Giving the children the chance to explore with teachers who bring out the best in them feels so important – those teachers become family, uncles, aunts, grandparents, and mentors – and you need to nurture and nourish relationships with good people!”

FUTURE OF WALKER|WEST: WHAT IS THE WEBBER FAMILY EXCITED ABOUT?

The Webber Family is excited about their family and children staying involved and connected as students, volunteers and community members. They hope to see more masterclasses
and concerts, like the Terence Blanchard Masterclass in 2019 and the Desean Jones concert for the Rondo Community Music Series in 2020.

Walker|West is committed to providing music education access for students of all ages, from infants to elders. We started in a duplex on Selby offering lessons for K-12 students and now at 760 Selby we have programs for early childhood education, elders and older adults. Our expanded programming is mission centered bringing benefits of music education to more people in our community.

There’s something for everyone, at Walker|West

Categories
Blog

THE STEVENS FAMILY GIVES TO INSPIRE

Susan and Patrick Stevens have been part of the Walker|West community since its earliest days. Their son Brian was a student and volunteer at Walker|West as a teen who needed a break from playing sports. Jennifer married into the Stevens family, and learned about Walker|West her first date with Brian. Their children (Elliott, Graham and Patrick) are now students of Walker|West having done recitals and camps with us. It’s safe to say, the Stevens are here to stay!

We checked in with the Stevens family, just as they pledged a $250,000 lead gift for the Walker|West Capital Campaign (which is currently underway). The Stevens feel a responsibility to invest in this music learning community, because they believe in Walker|West and want to honor what Susan calls, a heartconnection to our mission.

When Susan first heard Grant West’s music wafting out of Dayton’s, he happened to play a favorite song of her parents – this struck her right away. She needed to know more about the “2 guys teaching piano” on Selby Ave.

When Susan learned about how Rev. Walker & Grant West were revered community members, she could feel that Walker|West was a special place.

“Music is the language of the soul,” this is an adage Brian remembers seeing and hearing in his time as a student of Rev. Walker (and later Grant West). And while Brian is moved by our mission, he adds that “it’s the feeling inside the building that Rev. Walker & Grant West and so many others bring,” that makes the difference moving the mission forward. A mission and vision that has always been centered on impact for our neighbors, those near and far.

Susan’s consulting group signed on to help Walker|West create our first business plan in the early ‘90s. A plan that raised over $400,000 and helped move Walker|West to its next chapter at that time. As Walker|West is entering its next 30 years, the Stevens see this moment as a time to deepen their commitment as a family.

The large gift is unique among their charitable giving. It’s a stretch. But one they make enthusiastically, to support how our work is expanding and changing under leadership of Braxton Haulcy, our current Executive Director.

Walker|West’s teaching style is different from other places, Brian and Jenn agree. “It’s one thing to play and read music, they note, Walker|West offers something even deeper than that.” Jenn is a music educator, she studied music theory in college. As she recalls it, though she learned a lot the way she was taught theory didn’t live in her fingers or notes the way it does for Walker|West students. The sense of self expression, growth of confidence, interplay of chords and notes–not simply reading or doing pieces by rote, are things that stand out for Jenn and Brian.

Jenn notes the first time she came to a recital to see one of her children play. Recalling how our way of encouragement and support were unmatched. Students are often accompanied by teachers, which lifts the notes they know how to play, and turns it into something big! Family and friends sing along, calming any jitters that students may have. For Jen, this is a notable and welcome contrast from how she remembers recitals.

Music connects us, from East Saint Louis, to Wyoming, to Denver, to Mendota Heights, to Nebraska where Susan’s family is from. In uncertain times, music can communicate things we struggle to find words to process. Whether it’s our family singing show tunes when gathered together, or protest music carrying us through times of unrest – music comforts, heals, soothes and unites.

Along with healing, music sparks joy! We asked the Stevens family what they were most excited about for Walker|West and they had this to say:

Jenn: The idea for this gift started when we wanted to host a friendraiser to get all of our friends to experience what Walker|West can offer. Because of COVID we had to change those plans, and when the new building came up, a specific need
became more apparent. We’re excited to support the new building. And as an educator, I’m excited about the expansion of programming, especially early childhood music education!

Brian: The new building will really allow Walker|West to evolve and be more flexible in how it evolves. Music is changing. How people want to learn music is changing, like with digital music production. It’s such a great time for the academy. We wanted to
get in early, and we hope that others will join to help carry on the work of Walker|West into the next 50 years.

Susan: Ditto.

To make a major gift, or to support our capital campaign, contact Braxton Haulcy, Executive Director

For more about the Power of Music to Heal our Community Campaign visit: walkerwest.org/capital-campaign