By Peter Leggett,  Walker West Music Academy

On Thursday, December 15th Walker West Music Academy presented a community gathering at St. Paul’s SteppingStone Theatre entitled Taking Giant Steps in Community Music Education. More than 100 friends from the community attended to show their support of Walker West Music Academy and to experience the magic of the Academy’s programming first hand.

The evening began with a social hour in the lobby featuring a performance from the Academy’s Saturday Jazz Ensemble led by Solomon Parham. This intermediate group of performers consists primarily of students grades 7 through 10 who are emerging as talented improvisors. A highlight included their performance of the famous Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers arrangement of “Moanin”. The social hour also included refreshments from Golden Thyme Coffee Cafe, Bars Bakery and Linda Leggett.

The program began with an introduction from St. Paul Ward 1 City Councilmember Melvin Carter 111 who shared his thoughts on why the Academy is a vital cultural center in the St. Paul community. Following Councilmember Carter, was Executive Director Peter Leggett with remarks on the magic of music education and the experience of students, their families and members of the community experience at Walker West.

Following the introduction, the student performances began with a violin piece from 13 year old Saliem Hashel and then 14 year old vocalist Kevin Nash accompanied by Walker West faculty member William Duncan. Up next, the first of several highlights of the evening, was 11 year old Ruth Franklin who performed on piano singing “Bread of Heaven”. Ruth first learned to play at the Academy when she was 8 years old and has since blossomed into a passionate young performer. Her performance brought several audience members to their feet following her performance.

Walker West Board Vice Chair Kristi Rendahl was up next to discuss the Academy’s programming. As a part of her presentation, she shared a recently produced video clip featuring the Academy’s Summer Music Enrichment Program, a three week day camp for students ages 5 to 12.

5 year old drumming sensation Casey Moss, accompanied by faculty member Kevin Washington followed in another highlight of the evening in which Casey performed a drum solo over a beat and then traded solos! Up next was 11 year old Lena Pollard performing “God Bless the Child” accompanied by faculty member Aja Pridgen which provided a soulful and contemplative moment. This was proceeded by 15 year old John Blanda performing his rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”.

The evening concluded with reflections by Academy Board Chair Paul Robinson followed by a performance from the Academy’s Monday Night Jazz Ensemble. And to ensure audience members were sent off into the evening in proper fashion, the Academy’s American History Band Project Ensemble, a brass band reminiscent of New Orleans marching bands, performed in the lobby as attendees were leaving! Thanks to all who came out to celebrate and support Walker West Music Academy!