2020-2021 Let The Music Play grant application open

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. and American Family Insurance announced today that the application process for the Let The Music Play grant program is now open at https://summerfest.com/let-the-music-play/.

School programs and non-profit organizations that support music education are encouraged to apply for a $2,500 grant. The selected grant recipients may also showcase their talents during Summerfest 2021. The application deadline is November 30, 2020.

Given the impact of the pandemic, the guidelines of the Let The Music Play grant have been expanded to include virtual programs. The grants are open to all youth music programs, including bands, orchestras, jazz ensembles, music production skills, songwriting, and musical theater.

“We are proud to continue the Let The Music Play grant program with support from American Family Insurance to support educators during a time when they are being challenged to connect with students in new ways and in virtual settings,” said Don Smiley, President and CEO of Milwaukee World Festival Inc. “Over the past three years, we have awarded grants to a diverse range of organizations, from vocal programs to orchestras, and we encourage all eligible music educators to apply.”

“We already know how much young people benefit from music education programs, and as the challenges of the pandemic continue, we believe these programs becomes even more important and meaningful to participants,” said Judd Schemmel, American Family associate vice president of community investment and partnerships. “We’re pleased to continue our support of the Let the Music Play program in Milwaukee County, and our hope is grant recipients will have the chance to perform at Summerfest in 2021.”

The Let The Music Play grant program is open to non-profit organizations and schools that serve Milwaukee County through music-based programming for students aged 11 - 18. The program is intended to represent the variety of music-based activities taking place in the greater Milwaukee community and is open to programs ranging from band, orchestra and jazz to musical theater and dance. Past Recipients have included the Carmen Schools of Science and Technology drum line, the Girls Rock Milwaukee summer band camp, the Townsend Street Elementary School vocal ensemble and La Causa, Inc. orchestra and dance program.

# # #

Milwaukee World Festival/Summerfest media contact:
Julie Dieckelman
414-270-6517
jdieckelman@summerfest.com

About the American Family Insurance group
Based in Madison, Wisconsin, American Family Insurance has been serving customers since 1927. We inspire, protect and restore dreams through our insurance products, exceptional service from our agency owners and employees, community investment and creative partnerships to address societal challenges. We act on our belief in diversity and inclusion by constantly evolving to meet customer needs and preferences. American Family Insurance group is the nation’s 13th-largest property/casualty insurance group, ranking No. 254 on the Fortune 500 list. The group sells American Family-brand products, primarily through exclusive agency owners in 19 states. The American Family Insurance group also includes CONNECT, powered by American Family Insurance, The General, Homesite and Main Street America. Across these companies the group has more than 13,500 employees nationwide.

About Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.
Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. is an independent, private 501(c)(3) corporation founded in 1965 that produces Summerfest, presented by American Family Insurance, an 11-day festival that generates approximately $186 million in direct and indirect economic impact for the community each year. Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. also maintains Henry Maier Festival Park, located on 75 acres on the shores of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, WI. In addition to Summerfest, Henry Maier Festival Park hosts a variety of ethnic and cultural festivals, concerts, walks, runs, and other special events, attracting nearly 1.2 million people.

The mission of the organization is to promote an understanding of different ethnic cultures, the histories and traditions of various nationalities, harmony in the community, civic pride and provide a showcase for performing arts, activities and recreation for the public and employment opportunities for the youth of the community. For more details, visit Summerfest.com, Facebook.com/summerfest or Twitter: @Summerfest.