THE FOUNDATION SRQ: THE NEXT GEN OF MUSICIANS
The Foundation SRQ is a conglomerate of the next generation of musicians who come together to perform at venues and events such as weddings, bar mitzvas, private parties, etc. It is a music academy that offers free lessons primarily focused on students age 5 to 18. “We offer lessons on all instruments – drums, bass, piano, horns, guitars,” said John Walker, III, The Foundation’s founder.
The Foundation SRQ (TFS) is a 501(c)3 organization modeled after the Cleveland Music Settlement in Ohio, which offers music therapy, early childhood education, and music instruction to people of all ages and levels of experience. Since its founding, it has grown from a foundation of music instruction to also offering early childhood education and music therapy services. That’s the goal of TFS.
“We teach the ins and outs of the entertainment business, entertainment law and all that goes along with it such as lighting, live sound, studio production and dee-jaying,”
Walker said. “We want music to be an outlet for students outside of sports. Our purpose is to bring arts back in the community and give kids something positive for them to focus on.” Through The Foundation, Walker is able to put a group of musicians together for any event from resources he has access to. “These are experienced musicians who are professionals and know what they are doing,” he said.
The music academy is open for lessons Monday through Friday from noon to 8:00 p.m. Saturday lessons will be coming soon. Students who are in the program for at least one year will receive a $5,000 scholarship upon graduating from high school.
To help defray the costs for providing free lessons, fundraising events are held every other Wednesday at Big Top Brewery located at 6111 Porter Way off Cattlemen Road.
“This is an opportunity for kids to come and showcase their musical talent,”
Walker said. The events are open to the public. On August 6, a fundraiser will be held at Tamiami Tap located at 711 South Osprey Avenue. The fundraiser will be held on every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month. All shows are free; tips and donations are accepted.
Walker grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and has an extensive musical background. He played with the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra when he was age 11 years old. The Orchestra is one of five American orchestras informally referred to as the “Big Five”, which consists of symphony orchestras that led the field in musical excellence. He has been taking lessons since he was four years old and reading music since age 5. He was with the Cleveland Music Settlement from age 8-14 and took private lessons from Bill Ransom, a well known bandleader, drummer and percussionist who played with George Duke, and did recitals with the Cleveland Percussionist Ensemble.
Walker moved to Jacksonville, Florida with his family when he was in the ninth grade. He started teaching percussion classes there and after graduating, he continued to teach percussion classes, private lessons and clinics while he attended Bethune Cookman University. He re-located with his family again to Sarasota and began playing with various groups including the popular Democracy Reggae Band and toured with the award-winning international recording artists Ari & the Alibis
“I played with pretty much every group around town,” Walker said. “Things came very easy for me.”
The Foundation’s goal is to continue to touch the lives of our youth. “I want to take and run with it for this next generation. I want to be in my own building this year, working with students in the Sarasota-Manatee area. In five years, I want to be able to hold camps not only in this area but to expand to Tampa, Orlando, Atlanta and even Dallas. It’s all about our youth and getting them involved in the arts. My family and friends helped to mold me and played an important part in my development. I have so many that I can call on for help and support and that’s a blessing. I want to be able to pass that along to others.”
For more information, contact Walker at 904-563-6747 or visit Thefoundation30@gmail.com.
Performers with The Foundation SRQ
