Accents & Illuminations
Walker|West Newsletter: March 2023
February Flew away, and now spring is creeping onto our shoulders. Forget about the idea of flurries and slush, and let us refresh your memory on why Everybody Loves Walker|West. As you read this newsletter, you can catch up on what our music learners have been up to, and get a glimpse of the next step in our scales.
A Slam dunk for our Digital Music Program
Walker|West wins with the NBA Foundation
Let’s get loud and thank the Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Lynx, and the NBA Foundation for awarding us with a grant that will help restructure our Digital Music Production program! With support from the Minnesota Timberwolves, we were selected alongside thirty organizations throughout the nation. Walker|West joins them in gratitude for this generous support for programming that uplifts our communities.
Joining Forces
Big Changes for Minnesota Jazz Education
In February 2023, we welcomed Katia Cardenas (above) to Walker|West. She served as Executive Director for Minnesota Jazz Education for several years, and is now the Program Director for “Walker|West Without Walls”. This merge with Minnesota Jazz Education programming that has been underway will continue the expansion of our mission to gather, explore, and grow through music. We’re excited for everything we’ll discover on this new path.
Always More to Explore
Corner Conversations with the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation
This winter, we had a chance to partner with the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation to discuss the necessity of music education. Our Executive Director, Braxton Haulcy sat down with Chris Garner from the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation for a recent episode of “Corner Conversations”, a video series that highlights the impactful work of local organizations. Many thanks to our funding partner for continuous support. Watch & Learn!
For the live music lover in you
Rondo Community Series
The latest iteration of the Rondo Community Music Series was some of the best live music you could easily tune into! The lineup was full of performing artists that regularly teach Walker|West students. Remember that you can catch up or re-watch each performance on Crowdcast, and on YouTube! Maybe you have a favorite performance? We would love to know! Subscribe to Walker|West on Crowdcast, so you don’t miss anything we have coming up.
Special thanks to our legislative supporters! $2.6 Million has been awarded toward the Walker|West Capital Investment, Minnesota Direct Appropriation Bill.
Thank you to our Funding Partners!
- Jean Schroepfer towards our Capital Campaign
- Margaret Perryman for General Operations
- Jock Donaldson towards our Capital Campaign
Hope lives in the Power of Music
Rondo Night: A new way to highlight St. Paul’s Black Entrepreneurs!
The St. Paul Winter Carnival, held on (date) was opened with some new energy through the Walker|West Jazz Ensemble. While we’d love to tell you how awesome it was to support the recognition of black history and celebrate , there have already been some accounts. Check out the coverage from Kare 11, and Pioneer Press! and consider Walker|West when seeking local talent. After all, what’s more impactful than the power of Music?
In memoriam:
Former Board Chair Franklin C. Jesse Jr.
Please join us in sending condolences to the Family of Franklin C. Jesse Jr., who passed away peacefully in February 2023. Mr. Jesse served as Board Chair for Walker|West and was an incessant supporter of Walker|West Music Academy. He assisted the organization with his skills and dedication to the community. If you wish to celebrate his memory monetarily, it was indicated in his obituary to send donations to Walker|West Music Academy in his honor. We appreciate Franklin C. Jesse for championing our mission while he was on earth, and while he rests in the heavens.