Birch Creek is pleased to announce that it has received a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board’s Creation and Presentation program, supported by funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Foundation for the Arts. The grant will provide operational and program support for the outstanding music education programs and public concerts that, in 2020, will take Birch Creek into its 45th year.
This is the 18th year Birch Creek has received an Arts Board grant. Grants are determined by a competitive review process from a panel of Wisconsin experts in the arts, music, theatre and nonprofits. The grant acknowledges Birch Creek as an organization that offers high quality music education programming, thereby having significant local, regional, and statewide impact on the cultural life of Wisconsin.
Each year, Arts Board grants support music instruction of185 young musicians taught by 90 professional faculty members and teaching assistants; together, students and faculty perform public concerts for audiences of more than 17,000. Complementing the summer academy sessions are free outreach clinics held annually for Door County public school music students through “Artists in the Schools” program.
“Arts Board grants have recognized Birch Creek’s excellence in music education since 2000, and in every consecutive year since 2003,” noted executive director Mona Christensen. “The Arts Board is a state agency that nurtures creativity, cultivates expression, and supports the arts in education. To be recognized by the State of Wisconsin for the value we provide to our community is an honor.”
The summer music academy and concert venue has been a Wisconsin institution since 1975, educating hundreds of promising young musicians each summer and providing concerts for tourists and residents alike. Through job creation, locally purchased services, and family-purchased meals and lodging, Birch Creek has an economic impact on the Door County community of more than $500,000 each year.
Birch Creek matches Arts Board grant money with funds raised through tuition, ticket sales, donations from individuals and foundations, and other grants.
Birch Creek Music Performance Center is a residential summer music academy in
Egg Harbor, WI, for advanced young musicians. With a performance emphasis, students are taught by nationally known professionals and educators during the day, and perform with them in concerts at night. Four sessions focus on Percussion & Steel Band, Symphony, and Big Band Jazz. 2020 concert and session dates are posted at www.birchcreek.org/tickets.