“Children cannot be denied opportunity and resources and become engaged responsible adults”
People often ask me why I helped start a school of music. The answer is deeply personal.
By training, I am a theologian and an accountant. But by passion, I am a music educator. My love for music began when I was a child. I remember wanting to learn an instrument, but my family could not afford it. As the child of a single mother, I understood that our limited resources had to go toward the necessities of life. Music lessons were simply not possible.
That dream remained unfulfilled until I was 17 years old, when my church decided to start a small band. I chose the trumpet because it was the only instrument left. That one opportunity changed my life, and I have never looked back.
West Point School of Music was born from that experience. I never wanted another child to feel the disappointment I felt when the opportunity to study music was out of reach. Every child should have the chance to discover the joy of making music, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
Music does so much more than teach us how to play an instrument. It helps young people learn how to listen, think critically, solve problems, communicate, and work together. It gives them a way to express themselves, build confidence, and develop discipline. It can also help students stay engaged in school and support their learning in subjects such as math, science, and reading.
These opportunities are especially important in our urban communities. Every day, teachers and principals work hard to give their students the best possible education, often while facing serious financial challenges. Unfortunately, many schools have had to reduce or eliminate arts programs because of budget limitations.
That is why the work of West Point School of Music matters. With the help of generous supporters and partners, we can provide young people with access to music instruction, mentorship, instruments, and performance opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable to them.
“No child should ever know the despair I felt because of the absence of opportunity to study music.”
At West Point, we believe that music education is about more than creating musicians. It is about helping young people become confident, creative, disciplined, and caring individuals. We often say, “We use music to make good people.”
Thank you for believing in this mission and for standing with us in this important work. Your support makes a real difference in the lives of our students, their families, and our entire community.
With gratitude,
Julian J. Champion
Chief Executive Officer
West Point School of Music
