Support Us

October, 2024

Dear Friends of the W. I. Music Festival,

Community is a word that often comes up during conversations about Washington Island. The Island’s strong and unique sense of community is a key factor in the affection people feel for it. With its 33 year history, the W. I. Music Festival is part of the fabric of this community. It contributes to Island life through music education, enrichment and entertainment, a feat only made possible by the long list of music lovers providing financial support.

As an example of the Festival’s lifelong impact on a community member, Maren Schutz McNeil, director of our Summer Music Camp, said, “The Music Festival continues to play a critical role in my life—from attending music camp as a child to attending concerts and singing in the chorus as a young adult, to now currently “coming home” and teaching music camp. The beautiful music and the nurturing relationships with the musicians led me to pursue a career as a music educator. I am forever grateful for the WIMF’s role in my life! “

Festival musicians become part of our community. Nathan Hackett, violist, who just concluded his 21st season with the Music Festival, shared this, “Immersion in the Island vibe enhances how I perform and experience chamber music. There is a reason every summer in America and throughout the world, musicians and artists have sought beautiful locales in which to immerse themselves in their craft/art, as well as a reason that these opportunities have been provided by thoughtful, forward looking benefactors and patrons. As musicians we do our best when we try to attain a “simple beauty”,where artistry and craft meet and the meaning of a piece is magically revealed. Living and working for two weeks in a setting as enchanting as Washington Island allows this alchemy to flourish.”

It was a tremendous pleasure seeing so many of you over and over again, attending Red Barn talks, Pop-ups and concerts. Coming together repeatedly for the love of chamber music was a community experience. The 2024 Festival was joyful, successful, and deeply meaningful thanks to your support and presence. Exciting ideas and programming for our 34th season are being developed, but we need you to make them a reality. We want the Festival to be on solid footing well into the future, not just taking a year by year approach. Your continued support, and even increasing your gift this year, will make this happen. You make our mission possible.

With gratitude,

Betsy Wallman
Board President and Board members: Don Morgan, Judy Baseman, Manager Bitta Johnson, Stefanie Jacob, Scott Tisdel, Teresa Drews, Kari Gordon, Alison Vernon, Heather Zinninger, Steve Tobey, Judy Jones, Sarah Duggan Goldstein, Jack Carpenter, and Gard Edgarton. Student representatives Julia Pratt and Emily Nickchen.