Julienne Dance, the visionary behind the project, envisions a welcoming and supportive atmosphere where the magic of music can be available, come alive and enrich the lives of children of all ages and abilities in the wider Kootenai County community. Julienne, who has a deep love for the arts, brings many years of experience to this endeavor. She has been a music teacher for more than two decades, and has instilled a love of music into the hearts of her own children and grandchildren.
A music conservatory is an accredited music education center that offers high quality music instruction in various instruments and disciplines. The piano, classical instruments and vocal performance are the traditionally taught disciplines. However, other instruments, as well as the performing arts, are at times integrated into the programs offered.
Where is the closest Music Conservatory?
Currently, the closest music conservatory is located in Sandpoint. Founded 10 years ago by Director Karin Wedemeyer, the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint now boasts attendance by over 400 students, from a community with a population of only 8,600 people. Those numbers are impressive and show that another music conservatory in North Idaho could be a welcome and successful venture. Karin Wedemeyer is a huge supporter of the CdA Music Conservatory project, with a strong desire to see the two sister cities support each other, while strengthening the shared cultural and musical development of the region.
The House
The proposed site for the future music conservatory is the historic Hamilton House located on Government Way in Coeur d’Alene. The house, built in 1908, was designed in an exciting new style born out of the American Arts & Crafts Movement. Technically built during what would be known as the Edwardian era in the UK, the United States began to pull away from the more “stodgy” influences that prevailed during the Victorian era, offering people the option of individual choice in home styles. The Keith Co., architects, called this particular house the Southern Cottage model.
In 2017 Kootenai County purchased the property with the intent to demolish the house to make way for a multi-story county office building. Neighbors in the historic Garden and Forest Heights districts were not happy with this. The Government Way Historic Neighborhood Coalition, headed by Zoe Anne Thruman, was formed in an effort to stop demolition. Over 400 signatures were gathered but this was still not enough to prevent bulldozing. Local researchers Deborah Akers Mitchell and Cynthia Ackley Nunn teamed up and used their 65 years of combined experience to find the historical significance required to save this beautiful old home. It came to light that it was built for Boyd & Alta Hamilton. Boyd was the 2nd mayor of Coeur d’Alene and the first mayor in the area to host a sitting U.S. President. The researchers presented their findings to the Mayor and City Council and to the County Commissioners. It was enough to put a temporary halt to demolition. Thanks to the efforts of Robert Singletary, the Kootenai County Historic Preservation Commission now officially recognizes the house as the Historic Hamilton House.
Now, Julienne Dance needs everyone’s support to help make the dream of a music conservatory a reality, while also preserving an important and integral piece of Coeur d’Alene’s history from being destroyed. Both endeavors will benefit future generations for many years to come.
How will your donation help?
Phase One: Raising funds for the startup costs of incorporating the nonprofit, and obtaining building inspections and official working plans drawn up by professionals for necessary renovation and repairs in order to bring the house up to code as a safe, usable structure.
Phase Two: The second phase of fund-raising will be to fund any required repairs and improvements to the property for safe use, soundproofing, and ADA modifications if needed.
Are you interested in…
Saving a historic Coeur d’Alene home from demolition?
Supporting quality music education for children of all ages and abilities?
Incubating the next generation of artists, musicians and performers right here in our own backyard?
Being involved in the growing interests for historic and cultural development of the Inland Northwest?
If you answered “Yes” to any of the above we invite you to donate to the Coeur d’Alene Music Conservatory, a pending 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing a robust Fine Arts education to students of all ages and abilities.
The Conservatory will become self-supporting with minimal donations. However, the initial outlay will require investment from passionate supporters of the Arts and History.
Please consider making a donation and supporting the next generation of musical talent, while also preserving a precious piece of Coeur d’Alene’s rich history.
Our GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/coeur-d039alene-music-conservatory-at-hamilton-house
