A key component of Law Rocks’ mission is to promote youth music education. In 2023, the Law Rocks Board founded the Music Matters grant, given to a local nonprofit that supports youth music education in each of our US tour cities. Omi Crawford, Executive Director of Law Rocks, says of the grant initiative:
“Law Rocks has always been about championing nonprofits, especially local organizations that make a real difference in their community. The Music Matters grant deepens that commitment, helping support music education organizations nationwide as they change young lives through the power of music. It’s inspiring and exciting to learn more about each organizations work, truly one of the best things about this work!”
Our 10th year in NYC has us rocking the Bowery Ballroom over 2 nights this November, and we are pleased to be presenting a Music Matters grant each evening. The first 2025 NYC recipient, joining us Wednesday, November 12, is returning recipient, Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls.
One of two 2025 NYC Music Matters Grant Recipients: Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls | Photo by Lawrence Sumulong | Courtesy of WMRC
WMRC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering girls and gender-expansive youth through transdisciplinary music education. We first awarded WMRC with a Music Matters grant in 2023, and are thrilled to support the organization for the third time. We recently checked in with LaFrae Sci, Executive Director of Willie Mae Rock Camp, to hear what the organization has been up to over the past year. Keep reading to learn more!
1) What new successes or milestones have you achieved since we last spoke?
We launched piloted a school year round model of our afterschool program that culminated in a 20 channel piece and performance at National Sawdust this past spring. Based on the success of the pilot, we are now extending all of our afterschool program to school year round.
2) Can you share an example of how your programs or initiatives have positively impacted the community in the past year?
We provided tuition free programs to 638 students year round, and launched our second year of our Alumni Fellowship and continue to grow.
Photo by Lawrence Sumulong | Courtesy of WMRC
3) Have any new programs or initiatives been introduced since our last conversation that you are particularly excited about?
We have revamped our afterschool program to meet demand, and have scaled to advanced skill levels. We also just hired a new community and engagement position that will help us make our programs accessible to even more students.
4) What has been the most rewarding aspect of your work over the past year?
I love seeing students grow and develop over time. Both of our new Alumni fellows are recent graduates of our programs.
5) What are you most looking forward to in the coming year?
Building our community of support to continue our growth in programs.
6) What is your favorite thing about having your organization take part in a Law Rocks event?
I appreciate the shared understanding that music can build community and empower.
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Learn more about Willie Mae Rock Camp.
Get tickets to the 10th Annual Law Rocks NYC, presented by Greenberg Traurig.