Walker|West Impact Report 2020 & 2021
Founders Rev. Carl Walker and Grant West having a laugh at a pre-covid event
Photography: Benny Moreno
Contributors: Shaunte' Douglas, Benny Moreno, Amber Patton, Genesia Williams
MANY
ARE
CALLED
When the call to serve their community sounded, our founders, Rev. Carl Walker and Grant West, answered willingly. Since 1988, we have provided space for our neighbors (and everyone) to gather, explore, and create new spaces of growth through music. Music provides a common language of sound and inspiration which helps us grow through all stages of life. It acts as a north star pointing us towards liberation during times of trouble.
Even before the world shifted with the events of 2020, Walker|West was changing. Our comprehensive strategic plan gave us renewed focus, energizing our mission. Challenges in 2020 and 2021 encouraged us to dig deeper, innovate, and be a bridge of support for those nearest to us. From virtual instruction to a capital campaign, we’re enthusiastic and hopeful about our future.
This impact report, a first for our organization, will show some of the work we’ve done since 2020 and how we plan to continue the mission of more music, more community, and more connection.
ABOUT WALKER|WEST
Walker|West Music Academy, founded in 1988, is one of the oldest community music schools in the nation established by African - American musicians.
Walker|West is located in the historic Rondo neighborhood of Saint Paul. Our non-profit offers instrumental and vocal music instruction for students of all ages –from infants to elders.
Starting with private lessons for K-12 students, Walker|West has grown to include early childhood education and school residencies for students in our area. Additionally, we offer individual instruction, ensembles and choruses for adult students.
Beginning in the duplex where they first offered lessons and continuing at 760 Selby Ave, students and families experience the wide-ranging benefits of music education access. We’re ready for the next 30 years –fostering a community where people of all ages can gather, explore and grow through music.
PROGRAMS
Amazing Grace Chorus
Digital Music Production
Early Childhood Music Classes
Masterclasses & Workshops
Rondo Community Music Series
School Residency Programs
LESSONS
Individual & Group Instruction
Virtual Instruction
Youth & Adult Ensembles
CAMPS
Grow Through Music Camp
String Chamber Music Camp
Summer Jazz Intensive
Summer Jazz Violin Workshop
Members of the Walker|West Amazing Grace Chorus at their annual concert
Students at a pre-covid recital
Beginning in 2020, Walker|West shifted the way we gather
by adding virtual classes, camps, and events.
Students and teaching artists adapted nearly overnight,
pushing forward with patience and a positive outlook. If we
couldn’t get together safely in-person, we were determined
to hold space for each other virtually. Moving to virtual
spaces meant we could reach people all over the country
and the world. Care and consistency from our supporters
allowed us to continue exciting events like our Rondo
Community Music Series, which offered a timeless livestreaming experience for viewers everywhere.
There is something to be said about the resilience of
our neighborhoods, community (and the historically
marginalized people) within them. Such power has carried
tradition and birthed new customs. In addition to major
financial contributions, the state of our connectedness
has been a source of some of our greatest impact.
Support from our funding partners helped us innovate and
tap in to the strength of our music learning community.
Slowly, we’re gathering face-to-face again, but not without
consideration for the many ways there are to stay gather
safely and explore together.
COMMUNITY STRENGTHENS COMMUNITY
Creating paths for transformative healing, justice and equity together.
When people are pushed to the
margins, they learn how to survive and create change in the face of systemic challenges. 2020 revived collective cries for justice in the aftermath of George Floyd, Daunte’ Wright and many others abruptly made into ancestors. Rooted in a cultural legacy which gives us strength in dark times, rooted in the joy and hope that our ancestors have held for us, we’re answering the call to serve.
During these times we partnered, collaborated and supported programming like:
ART IN THE PRESENT MOMENT (2020)
From SPMCF: This project is part of Art in This Present Moment, an initiative of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, with funding from the McKnight Foundation. We provided grants to 12 Minnesota-based nonprofit organizations to fund work by over 50 BIPOC artists who are changing and challenging dominant narratives through their craft.
Mr. William Duncan was the featured artist for this project, creating original music recording with his beloved sister Debbie Duncan and other Twin Cities artists that speaks to community and self esteem.
REFLECTION REMEMBRANCE AND
RESILIENCE (2021)
Presented by Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial in Duluth and Walker West Music Academy, this concert performance featured music, improvisation and poetry to show how joy and resilience are linked. The free virtual concert featured Sarah M. Greer (vocals), Anthony Cox (bass), Levi Schwartzberg (vibes), and Davu Seru (drums) with special appearances by Jayanthi Rajasa, Alicia Steele and Tish Jones. The concert also featured original artwork by Miko Simmons.
AMAZING GRACE CHORUS (AGC)
Our own Amazing Grace Chorus saw major recognition. The Minnesota Board of Aging provided at $108,600 grant to the chorus for continued work on supporting dementia awareness and dispelling myths about the complex condition.
Members of AGC come together
weekly for health promoting activities and the joy of singing Gospel standards together. Along with many other positive benefits, for memory and brain health, Amazing Grace Chorus provides connection for community members who may not always have family nearby.
AGC BY THE NUMBERS
- 2020: 20 Chorus members
- 2021: 25 Chorus members
In 2022 the chorus grew to 35 members and received additional foundation support from the MN Humanities Center ($145,000)
ROOTED IN A BOLD FUTURE
Our capital campaign is underway. We are engaging the community in new and important ways and are looking for the support of donors to help grow our impact. With this campaign we aim to fund our continued work through community investment. Walker|West’s goal is to be a community destination with integrated and flexible spaces that are culturally relevant and uplifting for generations to come.
Learn more: walkerwest.org/capital-campaign
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!
Family Spotlight
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
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.”
Faculty Spotlight
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.
IN-SCHOOL IMPACT
Last fall Walker|West teaching artist Brother Ghana Mbaye worked with 5th-8th grade students from St. Peter Claver Catholic School, during a 10-week residency as part of our #WalkerWestWithoutWalls initiative. Students learned African drumming, had vocal coaching, practiced dance moves and honed their storytelling skills. The culmination of all that hard work: a Christmas Pageant in the St. Peter Claver sanctuary with a live audience of their younger classmates and a virtual audience of family members.
Student Spotlight
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT
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.
Program Spotlight
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.
MUSIC FOR THE MASSES
Beginning in fall we put joy, community, and powerful artistic expression center stage. With guests like Tish Jones, Malamanya and the LA Buckner Band – we were blown away and they brought down the virtual house. This series is one of our favorite ways to bring music and culture to our community, healing and a place to gather, whether in-person or virtual.
Did you miss one of the shows? Re watch the Rondo Community Music Series, before it returns in 2022:
walkerwest.org/rondo-community-music-series
FINANCIALS
Walker|West Music Academy 2020
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (2020) - $111,643
Net assets, Beginning of Year - $402,743
Net assets, End of Year - $514,386
TOTAL ASSETS (2020) - $863,203
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash - $235,346
Accounts Receivable - $56,629
Grant Receivable - $51,515
Prepaid Expenses - $1,900
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS - $345,390
OTHER ASSETS
Property & Equipement - $517,813
LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS (2020) - $348,817
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts Payable - $925
Line of Credit - $25,000
Accrued Expenses - $4,410
Deferred Lease incentive, Current Portion - $9,148
Notes Payable, Current Portion - $149,457
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES - $188,940
OTHER LIABILITES
Deferred Lease incentive, Longterm Portion - $23,814
Notes Payable, Longterm Portion - $136,063
NET ASSETS (2020)
Without Donor Restriction - $451,955
With Donor Restriction - $62,431
TOTAL NET ASSETS - $514,386
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
$863,203
Walker|West Music Academy 2021
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (2021) - $106,994
Net assets, Beginning of Year - $451,955
Net assets, End of Year - $558,949
TOTAL ASSETS (2021) - $654,923
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash - $321,419
Accounts Receivable - $68,466
Grant Receivable - $265,038
Prepaid Expenses - $0
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS - $654,923
OTHER ASSETS
Grant Receivable, Long Term Portion $202,800
Property & Equipement - $419,009
LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS (2021) - $301,377
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts Payable - $12,820
Line of Credit - $25,000
Accrued Expenses - $6,228
Deferred Lease incentive, Current Portion - $10,336
Notes Payable, Current Portion - $82,261
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES - $136,645
OTHER LIABILITES
Deferred Lease incentive, Longterm Portion - $13,478
Notes Payable, Longterm Portion - $151,254
NET ASSETS (2021)
Without Donor Restriction - $558,949
With Donor Restriction - $416,406
TOTAL NET ASSETS - $975,355
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
$1,276,732
STUDENTS SERVED
Walker|West Music Academy 2020 & 2021
With thousands of hours of instruction time logged by our teaching and performing faculty, Walker|West serves
hundreds of students year across all programming. Here is a snap shot of enrollment numbers and trends for our
Individual instruction and Summer camps.
2020
$20,000+
F R Bigelow Foundation
Saint Paul and Minnesota
Foundation
$10,000+
Margaret Perryman
Sharon & Gerald Garth
Susan & Patrick Stevens
Up to $5,000
Up to $1,000
Anonymous
Cy & Paula DeCosse
David & Rosemary Good
David Mohr
Dual Citizen Brewery
James T. & Lavinia Murray
Scholarship
Janne & Rob Eller-Isaacs
Joseph & Jane Micallef
Kevin Filter
Margaret Marrinan
Mary Bolkcom
Melodie Morstad-Ruiz (with
matching gift)
Robert E & Edith M
Grissinger Foundation
The House of Hope
Presbyterian Church
Webb White
Up to $1,000
Bruce & Anne Nerland
Dr. Barbara Doyle
Ellouise & Ernest Love
Harold Marchick
Jeannine Kessler
Karen Welle
Kristi Rendahl
Laurie Tremain
Mark & Jean Schroepfer
Michael Klevay
Philip Rickey & Mary Sullivan
Rickey
Progressive Insurance
Foundation
Roma & David Milton
Susan Stabile
Tim & Erika Nelson
Tyrone Aiken
Valerie Littles-Butler
Up to $500
Aaron B
Adele H Hellweg Trust U/A
Alec Paquin
Alex Campbell
Alex Wirthcauchon
Alma Marquez
Amber Lawhorn
Amy Huerta
Anabel Njoes
Andrea Canter
Ann Haase
Ann Juergens & Jay Weiner
Ann Manning
Anonymous
Anthony Cox
Arlana Kim
Ashwini Ramaswamy
Bad Hats LLC
Barbara Carlson
Barbara Weaver
Barry Foy
Benny Moreno
Beth Breen
Betsy Parrish
Betty Kane
Betty Louise Kibble
Blair Molitor
Braxton & Dianne Haulcy
Brenda & Glenn DesJardin
Brian Balleria
Brian Hodge-Rice
Brunzell Consulting LLC
Calvin-Allen Miller
Carol Larson
Carol Smith
Carol Thomas
Carolyn Caswell
Carolyn Jenkins
Cassandra Utt
Catherine Huber
Cherise Ayers
Cheryl Zosel
Christine & Robert Salmen
Claire Decelles
Colleen Pollack
Cooper
Corey Needleman
Courtney White
Crystal Hamilton
D Hellweg
Daniel Karpowitz
Darrylise Nairn
Dave and Terri Hansen
David & Grace Gorringe
David And Karen Hansen
David Edgerton
Dawn Doering
Deanna Love
Deborah & James
Ingebretsen
Deena & Bruce McMahon
Deloris Woodhouse
DeMarcus Suggs
Denise Dixon
Donald & Synovia Colbert
Doretha Asantewaah
Dorothea Anderson
Dorothy Barnes-Griswold
EagleView Wealth
Management Group
Earl Clark
Earnest & Joyce Gillard
Elizabeth & Mark
Rosenwinkel
Ellen Fee
Emily Gleason
Eric Clark
Erich Rieppel
Erik Ostrom
Ernest & Marcelle Farley
Estella Banham
Ethan Sandfort
Evelyn Jenkins
Evette RH
Frangena Johnson
Frank Wilderson
Gabriella Brinkley
Gayle Rochelle
Gene Scapanski
Glenn Hardin
Graham Gremore
Greater Twin Cities Youth
Symphonies
Gurayn Sylte
H. & Elizabeth Clark
Hannah Miller
Hayden
Hazel Nikesha
Henry & Sabrina Jones
J Garnier
Jacquelyne Porter
James King
Jan & Walter Eisner
Janet Colliton
Janet Keel
Jasmine Neilson
Jean & Woody Fountain
Jean Ann Durades
Jean Rohrer
Jean Ronnei
Jean Streetar
Jeanne Barker-Nunn
Jeanne Dimeglio
Jeff Mills
Jenna Luedtke
Jesse Hennum
Jessica Kuehn-Hajder
Jessika Hopson
Joan Bechtold
Jocelyn Jones
John Cowles & Elizabeth
Knudsen Cowles
John Schwarzkopf
Jordan Ash
Judy Takkunen
Julia Reimer
Julio Fesser
Kaitlin Ramsey
Karen Og
Karin Denison
Katherine Herold
Kathleen Corley
Kathleen Jones
Kathryn Kromroy
Kathryn Wallace
Kay Weeden
Kazembe Balagun
Kelly Allen
Kerry Jensen
Khamara Pettus
Kristen Poppleton
Kylo Anderson
Larry Waddell
Laura Greenwood
Laura L. Harada
Laura Lacroix-Dalluhn
Leah Dale
Leah Goldstein Moses
Leah Van Dam
Lewis Rambo
Linda McCormick
Linda Williams-Brettingen
Lindsay Lewis
Lisa & Merrill Morse
Lisa Olson
Lisa Walker
Lois McCray
Louis Bartholome
Lowell Smith
Loyace Foreman
Lucille Bryant Little
Madeline Hansen
Magdalena O’Reilly
Maja Radovanlija
Malcolm Santiago
Mara Kilgore
Margaret Lafleur
Margaret Lovejoy
Mark Kleinbaum
Martha Salzman
Mary & Stuart Knappmiller
Mary Anders Morris
Mary Mackbee
Mary Moga
Mary Pickard
Mary Ricker & Robert
Cudahy
Matthew Abernathy
Maura Thompson
Max Walker
Maya Beecham
Mel & Mary Sanborn
Michael B. Johnson
Michael Espinach
Michael Farnham
Michael Harris
Michael Somermeyer
& Jan Painter
Michaela Bolden
Monica Allen
Mystery and Manners
Nalini Dube
Nan Bailly
Nancie Litin
Nancy Johnson
Nancy Nelson
Nancy R. Johnson
Nancy Vernon
Natalie Lu
Nita Cunningham
Nora Elizabeth Murphy
Pamela Ngunjiri
Patricia Seidl
Patrick Kelliher
Patty Peterson
Paul Meekin & Joan Griffin
Paul Tamburro
Pauline Eichten
Phyllis Goff
Randy & Marla Amborn
Regine Zamor
Rev. Carl Walker
Richard Stemper
Robert Hansen
Robin Hickman-Winfield
Roger & Kristine Barton
Roger Grupp
Ross Currier
Ruth Hiland
Saar Sayyid
Sandra Wethers
Sandy Famodu
Sara Oxton
Sarah Brown
Sarah Greer
Sarah Stocco
Sean Knoll
Seifert
Sharon Hodges
Shawna Wilson
Shawntrice Williams
Sheila & David Blanda
Sherry Spence
Sounds of Blackness
Steve & Carol Broback
Susanne Pelly Spitzer &
David Spitzer
Suzann Yussen
T D
Tamar Newberry
Tamara Wade
Tamiko Morgan
Teri Ricks
Terri Stevens
Terri Williams
Terry & Sue Wolkerstorfer
Thomas Williams
Thornton
Timothy Boatman
Timothy McGough
Tyler Rowekamp
Vanessa Vogl
Victor Cyrus-Franklin
Victoria Davis & Nathaniel
Abdul Khaliq
Wendy Anderson
Wilhelmina Smith
William W Catlin
Winston & Aurelia Gordon
2021
$200,000+
Minneapolis Foundation
$50,000+
Patrick and Aimee Butler
Family Foundation
$25,000+
F R Bigelow Foundation
Robert E & Edith M
Grissinger Foundation
Saint Paul and Minnesota
Foundation
$15,000+
Anna M. Heilmaier
Charitable Foundation
Belton Family Foundation
Harlan Boss Foundation
Rosemary & David Good
Family Foundation
US Bank Foundation
$5,000+
FilmNorth
Greater Twin Cities Youth
Symphonies
Hardenbergh Foundation
HRK Foundation
Hubbard Broadcasting
Foundation
Michael Wolsted
Sharon Garth
The House of Hope
Presbyterian Church
$1,000+
Cy & Paula DeCosse
Daniel & Molly Hartnett
David Mohr
Donald Marsh Foundation
Gail Amundson & Peter
Rothe
Grace University Lutheran
Church
John Breen
Julie Moen
Kevin Filter
Knutson Holdings Inc
Margaret Marrinan
Mark & Jean Schroepfer
Mary Bolkcom
Mary K. Boyd
Melodie Morstad-Ruiz
National Charitable
Endowment Inc
Nordson Corporation
Foundation
Patrick Stevens
Philip Rickey
Ramsey Hill Association
Rev. James Battle, Mt Olivet
Missionary Baptist Church
Saint Peter Claver Catholic
School
Schubert Club
Sherman Associates
Sundance Family Foundation
Theresa & Vincent Baker
Trust
Timothy & Gayle Ober
U.S. Charitable Gift Trust
Victoria Davis & Nathaniel
Abdul Khaliq
$500+
Alex Campbell
Barbara Doyle
Christenson Charitable Fund
Christy Bartlett
Daniel Titcomb
Deborah Wexler & Michael
Mann
Debrorah Cran
Ellouise & Ernest Love
Harold Marchick
Julie King
Kathleen Jones
Kennon & Cornelia Rohchild
Laurie Tremain
Leonardo Holloman
Linda Boss
Louis Bartholome
Margaret A. Cargill
Philanthropies
Mary & David Flannery
Nancy Vernon
Paul Teske
Randy & Marla Amborn
Rick Lancaster & Abby
McKenzie
Roma & David Milton
Songtaneous
St. Clement’s Episcopal
Church
Tim & Erika Nelson
VIAL (Band)
Up To $500
Aaron Benner
Abby Daniel
Abby Grott
Adele H Hellweg Trust U/A
Al Giraud-Isaacson
Al Onkka
Alexandra Boese
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
Althea Rupert
Amber Lawhorn
Amy Huerta
Andrew J. Rapoport
Andrew Urch
Andy Olson
Annamary J Herther
Anonymous
April Grabner
Austin & Mary Indritz
Avi Silver
Bad Bad Hats LLC
Barbara Evan
Barbara Freeman
Barbara Highfield
Barbara Mohr
Barbara Weaver
Betsy Lee
Betsy Nelson
Betty Kane
Bob Wells
Bon Hedstrom
Bonnie Schnell
Brenda & Glenn DesJardin
Brenda Starr
Brent Bauer
Calvin-Allen Miller
Carol Palms
Casey Karye-Haddy
Catherine M
Cheryl Chatman
Chester McCoy
Christine Birkman
Christine Hammes
Cindy Carlson
Claudette Webster
Community Foundation of
Central Illinois
Cornelius Boganey
Courtney Lawyer
Craig Ruhland
Curt Buhl
Cynthia Bartoo
Dan Peterson
Dana Lindsay
Daniel Kidney
Danielle St. Urbain
David & Barbara Johnson
David Edgerton
David Pacheco
David Spitzer & Susanne
Pelly Spitzer
Dawn Doering
Dean Magraw
Deborah & James
Ingebretsen
Deloris Woodhouse
DeMarcus Suggs
Dewayne Jackson
Diana Cumming
Diane Mullin
Dimi Karras
Doriscile Everett-O’Neal
Dorothy Barnes-Griswold
Douglas Goetz
Dr. Charles Crutchfield, M.D.
Dr. Eric Jolly, Ph.D.
Elizabeth & Mark
Rosenwinkel
Elizabeth Jackson
Elizabeth Sullivan
Elizabeth Tisel
Ellen Fee
Ellen McInnis
Eric Clark
Ernest & Marcelle Farley
Estella Banham
Frank Jossi
Gary Rice & Jana Stender
Gayle Rochelle
George Masson
Greg & Barb Finzell
Greg & Theresa Lee
Greg Krueger & Sara
McMullen
Hayden
Henry & Sabrina Jones
Heyman
Howard & Barbara Orenstein
Ike Messmore
In Black Ink
Inga Oelschlager
Ivory Rudd
James Graves
James Pogue
Jamilyn Coleman
Jan Adams
Jane Miller & Susan Haugh
Jean Rohrer
Jeanelle Foster
Jeanie & Edward DeCelle
Jeff Bailey
Jeff Mills
Jeffrey Roy
Jennifer Halcrow Giving
Fund
Jeremey Lundquist
Jess Hanna
Jesse & Alisha Simon
Jessica Hazlett
Jevetta Steele
Joan & Richard Nyberg
Joan Dezurik Chierniak
Joan Kreider
Joanna Coyle
Joanna Wentz
John Cowles & Elizabeth
Knudsen Cowles
John Davies
Juleen Christopher
Justice Choir
Justin Halverson
Justin Leaf
Kami Lyle
Karen Lilley
Karen Welle
Kari Boe Schmidtz
Kathleen & Charles Coskran
Kathleen Corley
Katie Martin
Katy Gaylor
Kaylee Plaziak
Keith Liuzzi
Kyle Srivastava
Larry Waddell
Lauren Husting
Laurie Anderson
Lewis Rambo
Linda Crawford
Linda Fei
Linda Lincoln
Linda Lindeke
Linda Peterson
Lisa Fleming
Lisa Love
Lloyd & Barbara O’Neal
Lois Ellen Kim
Lori Gramlich-Kaufman
LuAnn Schmaus
Lydia Sadoff
Lynda Crotty-Awada
Lynn & Steven Jaffee
Lynn Anderson
Lynn Richardson
Lynn Siobodien
Maegin Cooper
Maggie Johnson
Magie Barnes
Mahoney
Maia Maiden
Malcolm Santiago
Margaret Getman
Margaret Lafleur
Margaret Lovejoy
Margaret Rog
Margaret Sleeper
Maria, Jason, Asha and Maia
Westpell
Marissa Parker
Mark & Elizabeth
Rosenwinkel
Marsha Wagner
Marta Ljungkull
Martha O’Toole
Martha Salzman
Martin Meier
Mary & Lloyd Froelich
Mary Anders Morris
Mary Deering
Mary Gabler
Mary Hughes Greer
Mary Pickard
Mary Sykes
Megan Moran
Megan Stalheim
Megan Trenda
Melinda Anderson
Melissa Haley
Michelle Montoya
Mike Huber
Minnesota Voice & Speech
Clinic
Monica Allen
Myndal Davis Silver
Nancie Litin
Nancy & Brian Hanson
Nancy Brown
Nancy Lee
Nathan Podolsky
Nicholas Benish
Nick Proite
Nicole Nelson
Nita Cunningham
Norah Rendell
Northern Holly Creations
LLC
Pam Hill Kroyer
Pamela Fletcher Bush &
Christopher Bush
Pamela Marenetette
Patricia Brinton
Patrick Kelliher
Patty & Mike Springhill
Paul Hintz
Paul Juhl
Paul Meekin & Joan Griffin
Pauline Eichten
Peggi & Frank Iebba
Peter Morrow
Phyllis Goff
Rachel Gorski
Ray & Carolyn Collins
Rebecca Fallon
Richard & Beverly Heydinger
Richard VandenDolder
Robert & Margaret Fulton
Robert Christensen
Robert Gibson
Roger Barton
Rondo Center of Diverse
Expression
Ross Currier
Rubin Latz
Russell Knighton
Sandra Pappas
Sarah Greer
Scott Simpson
Shannon O’Toole
ShaVunda Brown
Sheila & David Blanda
Sherine Crooms
Sheryce Adams
Sophia Spiegel
Sounds of Blackness
Stacy Canino
Stanley Sattinger
Steve & Carol Broback
Steven Hirsh
Steven Larson
Stuart & Mary Knappmiller
Sue & Terry Wolkerstorfer
Sue McCormick Kearns
Sue Nielsen
Sue Wells
Susan Diekrager
Sushmita Hodges
Suzanne Burks
Tanya Bransford
Teresa Patton
Teri Ricks
Thomas & Linda Lincoln
Tom Skramstad
Tomas Villasenor
Tony Grundhauser
Tori & Leon Hill
Tyler Rowekamp
Uche Onukwuwe
United Way Maryland
Valerie Littles-Butler
Vanessa Rose
Wendy Reno
Wil Totten
William Kirchgessner
Zeke Majeske
STAFF
Braxton Haulcy, Executive Director
Tonya Gregory, Program Director
Libby Turner, Program Director for
Adult Education
Sherine Onukwuwe, Executive Assistant
Lisa Moy, Student Services Manager
Jerrica Howe, Student Services Coordinator
Marie Flowers, Student Services &
Outreach Coordinator
Penda Kane, Administrative Support
FACULTY
WOODWIND & BRASS
Felix E. James
Gerard Ahlgren
Jack Breen
Peter Goggin
Solomon Parham
Tom Wells
ENSEMBLES
Charlie Lincoln
Earl Ross
Felix James
Jack Breen
Kevin Washington
Peter Goggin
Tom Wells
DIGITAL MUSIC
PRODUCTION
Ernest Bisong
Kavyesh Kaviraj
Kevin Washington
Solomon Parham
ORGAN
William Duncan
PERCUSSION
Craig Hill
Ghana Mbaye
Kevin Washington
PIANO
Elisha Philip
Franco Holder
Grant West
Jack Barrett
Jacob Dodd
Kavyesh Kaviraj
Pieter Swart
Taylor Hamilton
William Duncan
STRINGS, GUITAR
& BASS
Charlie Lincoln
Earl Ross
Ernest Bisong
Jamie E. Carter
VOICE
Andrew Griffin
Kevin Jackson
Libby Turner
William Duncan
AMAZING GRACE CHORUS
Shana Moses, Program Director
Rev. Carl Clomon, Music Director
Gale Cannon, Program Coordinator
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FOUNDING DIRECTORS
Rev. Carl Walker
Grant West
OFFICERS
Dr. Barbara Doyle, Board Chair
Mary Bolkcom, Vice Chair
Eric Clark, Treasurer
Greg Finzell, Secretary
DIRECTORS
Adrian Davis
Cherise Ayers
Christy Bartlett
David Edgerton
David Mohr
Ivory Ruud
Jeff Bailey
Lawrence Waddell
Maia Maiden
Margaret Marrinan
Mary K Boyd
Michael Walker
Russell Knighton
Sharon Garth
...
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN STEERING COMMITTEE
Bruce Nerland
Christy Bartlett
David Mohr
David O Fallon
Grant West
Ivory Ruud
Jock Donaldson
Judith Titcomb
Mary Pickard
Mary Bolkcom
Mary K Boyd
Mary Mackbee
Melanie Broida
Nieeta Presley
Rev. Carl Walker
Russell Knighton
Jennifer Halcrow, Project Leader
...
MARKETING TEAM
Genesia Williams, Team Lead
Shaunte’ Douglas, Content Creator
Courtney White, Digital Lead
Benny Moreno, Social Media Manager
WALKER|WEST
760 Selby Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55104
walkerwest.org
REGIONAL RECOGNITION
In 2021, Walker|West was recognized as a Regional Cultural Treasure, as part of a collaborative $12.6M initiative, funded by the Ford, McKnight, Bush and Jerome foundations. Our 30+ year history as a Black founded (and Black led) organization makes us culture-bearers and cultural experts. We believe that teaching music changes lives, and that music has the power to heal and restore. We’re proud to be part of this network of organizations who hold the solutions to issues our communities are working to solve.
