Meet Milo Fine, Improvisational Maestro

In the Twin Cities you cannot have a conversation about jazz and improvised music without mentioning the name of long time West Bank School of Music drum instructor, Milo Fine. Over four decades Fine has carved out an enduring reputation for himself and his legion of musical partners with boundary-stretching performances. We are pleased to report the release of his latest recording, Ananke on the Emanem label (www.emanemdisc.com, not the rapper!) featuring four solo piano selections as well as a trio of trio pieces with Davu Seru on drums, Jaron Childs on alto sax, and Milo on piano, electronics, and voice. You can enjoy Milo Fine in concert with Joe Smith on woodwinds and electronics on Friday, April 3, 8 pm at West Bank School of Music. 

Matching Funds from City for New WBSM Signage

The City of Minneapolis Great Streets Program has provided money by way of a matching grant of $2,600 for new lighted signs in front and on the side of our building. These signs will greatly increase our visibility from both 6^th Street and Cedar Avenue and will enhance the look of our store front. In the next six months we must raise another $2,600 in private donations in order to complete the match. We ask for your help to make this goal by directing a contribution to our matching fund. You can view options for making a donation here.

New Student Incentive Program Yields Free Lessons

WBSM has launched a new program that offers lesson credits of $25 and $50 to current students who help us to recruit other new students to take private lessons, or join bands at WBSM. Call or email our office for details.

Deep Discounts for Families, Veterans, and Social Security Disability Recipients

If your family income qualifies your children for free or reduced school lunches, if you are a veteran of the U.S. military, of if you receive Social Security Disability benefits, you can qualify for a significant reduction in the cost of your lessons. Visit here and scroll to the bottom of the page for the tuition discount schedule or contact our office.

Faculty Performance Calendar Launched

Check out our Faculty Performance Calendar for the latest concert and show details from our talented roster of gigging artists. We update these listings monthly and send to our email list.

Spring Fund Appeal Coming, Tax Deductible Donations Welcome

WBSM is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization that depends on donations from private individuals to support its programs and facilities. In addition to our sign matching fund goal (above), we are beginning our annual Spring fund appeal. We will be mailing letters in mid April to ask for donations to fund a variety of projects including our Warren Park Scholarship Fund and tuition discounts for underserved individuals, families, and military veterans. Click here to donate.

Construction Projects Complete

Many of you have noticed we've made more building improvements with the installation of several new doors on the first floor that are handicapped accessible, new electric hot water heater (yea!), and a complete upgrade of our electrical service including lighted Exit signs. Next on our docket is new lighted outdoor signage for which we have a matching grant (see article above).

Special Events Calendar

Visit our website or contact our office for further details.

Last issue we introduced four of our trustees and here are four more. Please feel free to contact these important members of our leadership team with your comments and questions about WBSM.

Brad Johnson is Chief Manager of University Carleton Development, LLC, which developed and runs the Carleton Artist Lofts on University Avenue in St. Paul. B_johnson@gmail.com

Jeff Jones is President and Owner of Jeff Jones Creative, Inc., a marketing, branding, and creativity agency. jeffj@bitstream.net

Bill Sweatt is a Principal at the cutting edge software development firm Windseeker Technologies, LLC. bill@windseekertech.com