The Walden School summer music school and camp received a $450,000 anonymous donation in memory of alumnus and actor Lance Reddick, who died suddenly in the spring of 2023.

The donation will fund 10 full scholarships per year for the 2024-2026 Young Musicians Program, enabling young musicians the opportunity to experience Walden’s summer five-week program free of charge. Five of the 10 scholarships will be awarded specifically to students from the Baltimore area in honor of Reddick’s hometown and the birthplace of The Walden School. 

Reddick attended The Walden School from 1976 to 1980, returning in 1983 as a Walden faculty member. While he was a lifelong creator and student of music, he was best-known for his television and film work, particularly for his role as Cedric Daniels in “The Wire.”

Walden’s Young Musicians Program is a five-week summer camp for students ages 9 to 18 that offers musical training in a supportive musical community. Students attend classes in composition, musicianship, music history, choral singing, computer musicianship, jazz and more. Dances, swim trips, mountain hikes and open mic nights balance out the musical training.

“Lance would be so honored by these scholarships being named for him, and this project would really touch his heart,” stated Stephanie Reddick, Lance’s wife. 

Reddick shared the importance of financial assistance in allowing him to participate in creative opportunities like Walden’s program. The scholarship in his name will provide each student with full tuition, room and board, along with a travel stipend. 

"Lance was a wonderful supporter of Walden, and we are excited to see how Walden can be a springboard to future music creators who attend the Young Musicians Program as Lance Reddick Scholars,” stated Seth Brenzel, executive director of The Walden School. “We are so grateful to the generous donor who made this transformative gift to honor Lance's legacy."

Applications are due Friday, March 1. To apply, visit waldenschool.org/apply. For information about the Lance Reddick Scholarship, visit waldenschool.org/lance-reddick-scholarship.