INFM to Collaborate with the Wells School of Music at West Chester University
In August, If Not for Music’s Jae Winter and Roger Mustalish met with Claire Lewis of the West Chester University Foundation and Chris Hanning, Dean of the Wells School of Music to discuss opportunities for collaboration. The Wells School of Music is one of the premier schools of music in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with a tradition and reputation dating back to the founding of the institution. As a result of the meeting, the School and INFM agreed to work together in two main areas: support for the University’s nationally renowned Golden Rams Marching Band, and the School’s summer community music programs that sees elementary through high school students attend a variety of music camps.
The award-winning marching band consists of 300+ students with prominent past appearances at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and National Football League playoff games. This January, they will represent the University at the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, CA. This prestigious event will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for students and INFM is proud to help financially support their efforts in keeping with our Gift of Performance mission area.
“This collaboration will permit us to reach a wider audience of students and to extend the experience of a music camp to those who might not have the opportunity to attend.”
If Not for Music’s contribution to the summer camps will be focused on supporting aspiring student musicians in need with registration fees. As noted by Dean Hanning, “This collaboration will permit us to reach a wider audience of students and to extend the experience of a music camp to those who might not have the opportunity to attend.” President and Executive Director, Jae Winter added, “This collaboration is a strategic step toward achieving our mission area of giving the Gift of Learning, as well as the Gift of Performance. There are many deserving students who would simply miss out on these wonderful programs without our support. As a single mom of an aspiring musician, I’ve seen firsthand the power of music to transform lives. So, we are proud to enter this venture with the Wells School of Music.”
In addition to supporting these music programs, the collaboration will see Dean Hanning join If Not for Music’s President’s Advisory Council, a body of experts across a diverse range of disciplines who provide guidance and advice to INFM. “Strategic partnerships are how we achieve our mission,” noted Board Chair Dr. Roger Mustalish. “Dean Hanning’s expertise is greatly valued and will enhance our ability to gift the gift of music to the next generation of aspiring musicians,” he added.