A key component of Law Rocks’ mission is to promote music education for underserved youth. In 2023, due to our increased sponsorship and fundraising, Law Rocks has been able to offer a new grant at each Law Rocks show: The Music Matters grant. This grant is given to a local nonprofit that supports youth music education. Omi Crawford, director of Law Rocks, says of the grant initiative:
“Since our 2009 founding, Law Rocks has supported hundreds of incredible nonprofits, with an emphasis on youth music education organizations. The Music Matters grant is a natural evolution of our mission and a chance to formalize our support of amazing music education nonprofits across the country.”
Today’s spotlight is on our New York City grant winner, Willie Mae Rock Camp. Law Rocks is thrilled to be able to increase our support for music education through the Music Matters grant, and NYC nonprofit Willie Mae Rock Camp exemplifies our mission in every way.
We are delighted to celebrate the hard work and heart behind this exceptional organization. Keep reading to learn more in our spotlight interview with LaFrae Sci, Executive Director/Director of Artistic Programming of Willie Mae Rock Camp.
Our NYC Music Matters Grant Recipient: Willie Mae Rock Camp
1) Can you tell us a little about the history of your nonprofit, as well as its mission and focus?
We are named after the great Blues musician, Willie Mae Thornton who penned & sang Hound Dog before Elvis, and wrote Ball and Chain made famous by Janis Joplin.
Willie Mae Rock Camp is a nonprofit organization that empowers girls and gender-expansive youth to develop and amplify their creative voices through music education. Our programs combine instrument instruction with creative software and sound-based technologies to equip historically underrepresented and marginalized young people with the tools and support to thrive as creators and innovators. We served 600 girls and gender-expansive youth in 2023, at least 90% of whom are BIPOC.
We integrate music with sound-based technologies and STEM learning to give students hands-on skill building opportunities with music editing software, recording technology, digital animation and creative coding, and electronic instruments. Through the language of music, students learn how new technologies work and build skills that will help them succeed in a tech-driven future.
Our scientific method is: Mess Around. Find Out!
2) What is the best example of the way you’ve seen your organization’s work make a difference?
Honestly, over the last almost twenty years, there are almost too many to mention... but it was amazing to see how our programs supported our students using music and creativity to work through the challenges and stress they faced during the pandemic pause. Another cool thing is having our alums who have finished college come back to work with us and mentor our current students.
Image courtesy of Willie Mae Rock Camp
3) What are some upcoming initiatives that you are planning for?
2024 marks our 20th Anniversary, and we will be celebrating Willie Mae's past, present and future sounds! We encourage everyone to check out our website and sign up for our mailing list to be notified about the fun community and adult events that will include soldering workshops, family events, alumni performances, and open studio days. Our Creative Sound Lab in Gowanus is one of the most unique learning spaces filled with analog and modular synths and experimental sound making devices, as well as production stations. (Think Willie Wonka meets sound experimentalism and creativity. A space for electric joy!) Also coming up in 2024, we have partnered with Nona Hendryx and will participate in the Lincoln Center event, Dream Machine. We include AI ethics in our curriculum, and our kids will get to learn from leaders in the field.
4) What is the greatest challenge your organization faces?
In 2020, we shifted to a year round, tuition free STEM based curriculum we call Willie Mae Future Sounds! We are one of the ONLY STEM based music programs in NYC. We are working hard to build a community of support around the unique work that we do. We would be grateful if folks would visit our website: www.williemaerockcamp.org as well as follow us on IG @williemaerockcamp and tell a friend.
5) What does the power of music mean to you?
We believe in the power of music to build community and empower. We believe in the healing power of the Blues, and that the Blues is the roots and everything else is the fruits!
6) How will the Music Matters grant be used?
Our programming costs $1000 per student, per cycle. We are currently serving over 600 girls and gender expansive youth year-round in the 5 boroughs. The grant will be used to support more tuition free opportunities.
Learn more about Willie Mae Rock Camp.