Walker|West String students and faculty led by Instructor Earl Ross during a rehearsal to accompany Pavielle French for the debut of her original work “The Sovereign Suite,” which premiered earlier in 2022.
A Season of Reflection and Change
At Walker|West, our years are jam-packed with recitals, camps, festivals, and more! The colors of the season create time for reflection and recollection of our goals. Fall cues up a shift in priorities for many of us, but most of all, colors our minds with new ideas. As you read this newsletter, catch a glimpse of what’s new with our programs and learn how you can help us exceed the goals of our capital campaign!
Happy sounds only: Early Childhood Education with Homies in Harmony
Walker West proudly provides music education for students of all ages –including infants and toddlers. Bring your little ones to enjoy early sound exploration with Homies in Harmony, led by Auntie Jayanthi. Gather, explore and grow through music together! The new session begins December 2nd. Enrolling now.
Walker|West at the Minnesota State Fair w/MPR
We’d like to send a huge thank you to Minnesota Public Radio for hosting us on MPR Day at the State Fair. Next to a fantastic sound stage, a group of staff and volunteers represented Walker|West at the great Minnesota get-together to usher in the fall season. Nearby patrons received branded hand fans to beat the heat, and were treated with some of the best musical performances outside of The Grandstand!
Special Thanks to our funding partners!
- Carlson Family Foundation for General Operations
- City of Saint Paul Cultural Star Program for our Capital Campaign
- City of Saint Paul Neighborhood Star Program for our Capital Campaign
- Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies for tuition assistance
- HRK Foundation for General Operations
Major League Soccer-Hometown Hero (award) for General Operations
Read More: MLS All-Star Hometown Heroes Showcase celebrates, honors Twin City community impact leaders | MLSSoccer.com
- Minnesota State Arts Board for General Operations
- Nordson Corporation Foundation for General Operations
- Patrick & Aimee Butler Family Foundation for General Operations
- Regional Cultural Treasure Award for General Operations (funding made possible by a collaboration of the McKnight, Ford, Bush and Jerome Foundations)
- Schubert Club for tuition assistance
- Securian Financial Foundation for General Operations
- Xcel Energy Foundation for tuition assistance
If you would like to make a major gift, contact our Executive Director, Braxton Haulcy (braxton@walkerwest.org | 651-789-1684).
Thank you for contributing to the success of Walker|West!
Thinking BIG: A conversation with the National Endowment for Humanities
The Minnesota Humanities Center, as the state’s affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), recently conducted a self-assessment with NEH. As part of this assessment, which happens every 5 years, NEH came to hear first hand about the impact of the funding and relationship with the Humanities Center. In August we accepted the invitation to host NEH’s assessment team along with the Humanities Center’s leadership staff. Our Amazing Grace Chorus was the focus of the visit.
We provided a tour, sharing details about the 2021-23 MN State Legacy Cultural Heritage grant in the amount of $145,000 for our Keepers of the Culture: Our Journey, Our Stories Through Words, Pictures, and Melodies project. Feedback from the visit showed that NEH and the Humanities Center were impressed with our team, facilities, and vision.
“This project is an excellent example of the impact the Legacy funding has in communities” notes Kevin Lindsey, CEO at the Minnesota Humanities Center.
In keeping with NEH’s focus on the study and application of humanities with attention to reflecting our diverse heritage, traditions and history, our offerings place cultural knowledge in the forefront to foster rich human connection. With support from the NEH (funding at this level is another powerful ‘first’ for our organization), we show in deeper ways how we have harnessed the power and benefits of music, especially from the African-American cultural tradition.
Walker|West has an additional RFP out for funding to support the purchase and renovation of the 650 Marshall Building, the cornerstone of our Capital Campaign.
Earlier this fall we were part of Rep. Betty McCollum’s Selby Ave Business Walk with our neighbors, Golden Thyme. Thank you to Rep. McCollum for stopping by and for lending her voice of support (along with Sen. Klobuchar and Sen. Smith) of our NEH capital grant that is under consideration.
Giving big: The Stevens Family Gives to Inspire! Featured in our soon-to-be-released Impact Report is the story of the Stevens Family. Inspired by a, “heart connection to our mission” this family decided to give big for our Capital Campaign.
Meet the Architects! Locus Architecture selected for the Walker|West cultural hub. Please join us, and welcome the talented team that will lead in the curation of a new space in conjunction with our capital campaign.
Streaming for the first time: Watch our 2022 Fall Voice Recital
Let’s get Digital: Register for our Digital Music Production program. This series of classes includes training in the latest tools and software, taught by some of Walker|West’s finest performing artists, Ernest Bisong, Solomon Parham, Kevin Washington and Kavyesh Kaviraj.
Art + Medicine feature w/ TPT
Our Amazing Grace Chorus is featured in a special episode of Art +Medicine, a series that examines healthcare through the arts. Walker|West programs for adults 55 and older exemplify the healing power of music, and we couldn’t be more excited to share this collaboration!
Save your spot to watch online with us. RSVP to watch in-person. Catch up on shows you may have missed. Rewatch the shows you love. All this and more on our website.
Changes at Walker|West: Farewell Lisa!
Early September marked the end of the Lisa Moy era at Walker|West. After nearly a decade as our Student Services Coordinator and then later Student Services Manager, event emcee of choice and warm, welcoming presence when you walked through the front door –Lisa is moving along in her career. Thank you Lisa! We wish you all the best in your future endeavors, including being the newest flute student of Mr. Felix James!
Support Walker|West by giving to the max: You can help get our Jazz Ensembles Gig Ready!
Let’s get our Jazz ensembles gig ready! Join us in preparing for the biggest fundraising day of the year as a MN Non-Profit. Stay connected as we look to raise funds for designated performance instruments and equipment. The Walker|West Jazz ensembles need their instruments in top shape for a consistent performance schedule. Make sure to mark your calendars! Give to the Max Day is November 17th.