Westrick Music Academy (WMA) has received two significant grants: a historic $99,870 grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts (NJSCA) and a $9,100 grant from the I. Trumbull Wood Estate Fund of the Mercer County Community Fund.
These grants represent a remarkable milestone for WMA, supporting its mission as it works to provide opportunities for local youth to grow through the pursuit of musical excellence in a supportive, collaborative, and joyous environment, according to WMA in a press release.
Lorraine Goodman, executive director of WMA, expressed profound gratitude for these substantial supports.
“We are deeply honored and immensely grateful for the generous grants from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the Mercer County Community Fund,” she said. “This funding will have a transformative impact on our ability to nurture a lifelong love of music in a supportive and joyous environment.
“It ensures that we can continue to offer unparalleled opportunities for personal growth, self-expression, and musical excellence to a diverse group of young musicians.”
New Jersey State Council on the Arts Grant
The unprecedented $99,870 grant from NJSCA is the largest single grant WMA has ever received from the state. This funding will support various operational needs, including music director salaries, guest artist and pianist fees, musical performance costs, and other essential operating expenses.
“The investment made in our state’s artists and organizations has a direct positive impact on New Jersey residents, families, businesses, and communities,” said Lt. Gov. Tahesha L. Way, who oversees the council in her role as secretary of state. “It’s an honor to work closely with the council to help our state’s creative industries thrive and to ensure New Jersey’s diverse constituencies can access the many benefits of the arts.”
Allison Tratner, executive director of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, remarked, “The grants voted on reflect the council’s commitment to listening to field needs and then taking action. This historic grant to Westrick Music Academy signals a mark of progress for the council and our sector. We are extremely grateful to the [Gov. Phil] Murphy Administration for the ongoing support of New Jersey’s vital arts community.”
Mercer County Community Fund Grant
The $9,100 grant from the I. Trumbull Wood Estate Fund of the Mercer County Community Fund will also support WMA’s general operations, contributing significantly to the sustainability and growth of its music education and choir programs. Madeline Rivera, program officer at the Mercer County Community Fund, highlighted the importance of supporting local organizations.
“CFNJ is honored to support the Westrick Music Academy for the first time with a Mercer County Community Grant,” she said. “The Academy’s programming encourages children to express themselves and builds their confidence so we’re thrilled about supporting this important work.”
WMA is a dynamic and inclusive musical institution that has been transforming lives through the power of music since its inception. Its mission is to provide unparalleled opportunities for personal growth, self-expression, and musical excellence within a supportive and joyous environment.
At the heart of WMA’s success are its flagship programs including Princeton Girlchoir and Princeton Boychoir.
WMA is currently auditioning new singers. For more information about Westrick Music Academy and its programs visit www.westrickmusic.org.
