White Lake Chamber Music Society Awarded Grant to Present Free Family Concert
White Lake, MI — The White Lake Chamber Music Society has been awarded a $3,300 grant to support A Community Partnership for Children Through Music, a collaborative initiative designed to inspire young audiences and strengthen family engagement through the arts.
The program will culminate in a free children’s classical music concert on Sunday, July 17, 2026 at 3:00 PM at the Playhouse at White Lake. This is made possible thanks to a generous grant from The Leonard & Edna K. Blomdahl Fund, advised by the White Lake Community Fund of The Community Foundation for Muskegon County
Created in partnership with the White Lake Community Library, Muskegon Area District Library (MADL), and READ Muskegon, this event addresses a critical need for accessible, high-quality cultural and educational programming for families during the summer months.
The concert will feature acclaimed narrator Anne Marie Hoover and international pianist Kuang Hao Huang performing The Story of Babar the Elephant and Paddington Bear’s First Concert. Designed for children ages 3– teens and their caregivers, the performance blends live music with storytelling to create an engaging, age-appropriate introduction to classical music.
To deepen the program’s impact, community partners will provide literacy-focused activities before the performance and during intermission. These activities are designed to reinforce reading skills, spark creativity, and encourage meaningful family interaction.
“Providing this program free of charge is essential to our mission,” said Artistic Director Marina Hoover. “This grant ensures that all families—regardless of income—can experience a high-quality, enriching cultural event in their own community.”
Organizers anticipate serving approximately 400 Muskegon County residents. In addition to the concert experience, families will receive access to educational materials and connections to local resources that support lifelong learning.
This initiative reflects a shared commitment among partner organizations to expand access to the arts, promote literacy, and strengthen community connections throughout the White Lake area.
For more information, visit: www.whitelakemusic.org or call 231-329-3056