St. Paul music school Walker West Music Academy, known for its decades-long commitment to young Black musicians, is officially opening the doors of its new Marshall Avenue headquarters this weekend.
The school shifted operations to the fully renovated building earlier this year and is planning a two-day grand opening celebration: On April 25, a ribbon-cutting at 4 p.m. will be followed by remarks from school leaders, legislators and community partners and a performance by the school’s Kamoinge Strings ensemble.
Then, an all-day family open-house event from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 26 is set to include tours of the space, food trucks and performances by groups including Walker West’s jazz ensemble, string instrument students and its Amazing Grace Chorus, geared toward older adults including those with dementia.
The 16,000-square-foot facility at 650 Marshall Ave. replaces the school’s previous home on Selby Avenue, which it had occupied since 2014 and was quickly outgrowing. In late 2023, the school, which serves about 5,600 students a year, estimated 200 people were on its waitlist.
Now, with more than double the space it previously occupied, the school will contain 18 music studios, a specialized recording studio, a digital music lab, new instruments and staff and a 200-seat performance hall slated to open in September.
The new building has been a centerpiece of the school’s multi-year capital campaign, which has so far raised about $13.5 million of a $19.5 million goal. Contributions have come from both private and public sources, including $4 million from local philanthropists Pat and Gary Sauer and approximately the same amount in state funding, spearheaded by state Rep. Samakab Hussein, within whose district the school’s new home lies.
“Walker West’s new space is more than just a building; it’s a designated cultural destination and vital community resource right here in the historic Rondo Community,” executive director Braxton Haulcy said in a statement. “We are thrilled to open our doors and invite students, families, and community members to experience the joy of music.”
Walker West Music Academy was founded in 1988 by the Rev. Carl Walker and Grant West, both skilled church musicians and jazz pianists. It’s one of the oldest community music schools in the country founded by Black musicians.
“The academy’s journey from an upstairs duplex to its award-winning ensembles performing on prestigious stages represents the power of community investment in the arts,” Hussein said in a statement. “Walker West exemplifies how music education strengthens our cultural fabric.”
If You Go
What: Two-day grand opening celebration for Walker West Music Academy’s new facility
When: Ribbon-cutting and reception 4 to 8 p.m. April 25; family day and open house 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 26
Where: Walker West Music Academy; 650 Marshall Ave.
More information: Available online at https://walkerwest.org/grand-opening-2025/
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