Friday, March 19, 2021
The next generation of musicians in Milwaukee is here.
In 2017, 88Nine Radio Milwaukee partnered with Grace Weber, a singer/songwriter with roots in the Milwaukee area, to create a free collaborative music program for local high school students. Weber was inspired by her own arts and music program as a high schooler; with the “Grace Weber Music Lab” in place, she is able to provide young people with necessary resources and access to key players throughout the music industry.
On the final Friday of each month, young people (ages 13-18) can gather at what is colloquially dubbed “The Music Lab” to learn from featured guests, ask questions, perform during the open mic session, and participate in the event workshop. Giveaway prizes, such as apparel, headphones, and microphones, are also available. Each month offers a different theme, including songwriting, improvisation, and music production.
“We believe that collaboration through music and the arts is critical to bridging the divides in Milwaukee communities,” Britney Freeman-Farr, 88Nine Radio Milwaukee’s music education coordinator, said. “The Music Lab offers young people a space to create, be heard, and feel valued, while also providing them with direct access to thriving music career paths that they may not receive on a regular basis.”
Since its launch, the Music Lab has worked with students in over 40 local high schools. Previous featured guests include Alex Isley, Jean Deaux, Victoria Canal, SistaStrings, and The Social Experiment. In its last pre-pandemic season (fall 2019 to spring 2020) each session averaged 30 participants, with anywhere from two to eight student performers joining the teen open mic session.
Of course, the pandemic has shifted the program to a virtual format, but the Music Lab has still maintained its core elements. If anything, the virtual setting has allowed more people to participate, as people of all ages and locations have the ability to join and watch the sessions.
This month’s theme, in honor of Women’s History Month, is “Women in Music.” Participants will have the opportunity to speak with Tiffany Miranda of "Girls Make Beats," a prominent nonprofit organization that works to increase the number of female music producers, DJs, and audio engineers. Local organization Riverwest FemFest has also included this month’s session as part of their digital "Portraits of Femme" lineup.
“As a non-profit organization in support of positive local endeavors, 88Nine's platform has long-served as a ‘champion of our music, arts and culture, and community organizations.’ Grace Weber's Music Lab demonstrates all of these same values, while also celebrating diversity and community engagement,” Freeman-Farr said.
Milwaukee Recreation, through its Partnership for the Arts & Humanities, provides resources for the Grace Weber Music Lab, such as financial support, connections to a variety of participants throughout the city, and workshops and seminars for the virtual setting.
“The Grace Weber Music Lab is an invaluable resource for young musicians in Milwaukee looking to learn, grow, and expand their audience,” April Heding, Milwaukee Recreation’s Partnership for the Arts & Humanities, said. “Britney Freeman-Farr does an excellent job of selecting musical guests. They are authentic, genuinely interested in supporting the next generation, and can speak to what it’s like to work in the industry.”
Students can join Grace Weber’s Music Lab by visiting the program website to either RSVP for a virtual session or participate in the teen open mic. All young people are welcome to join, whether you are musically inclined, looking to perform in front of the community, or simply interested in learning more about the industry.