Free Music Programs For Local Schools Offered By Music Institute of Chicago

WINNETKA, IL — The Music Institute of Chicago has offered a free music performance or activity during the 2017–18 school year to every K–8 school in proximity to its campuses — located in Evanston, Downers Grove, Lake Forest, Lincolnshire, Winnetka and Chicago’s Near North Side. Schools in these and adjacent communities can request or collaborate on performances, listen-and-learn classes, musical instrument petting zoos, band and orchestra section rehearsals, master classes, and other music education activities.

Plus, students, teachers, and parents from these schools will receive free tickets to concerts on the Music Institute’s Faculty and Guest Artist Series, which take place at the historic Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue in downtown Evanston. A family-friendly concert opens the series on Saturday, September 23 at 7:30 pm. A reception follows the performance, when all audience members are welcome to enjoy frozen treats generously provided by Andy’s Frozen Custard.

“We are a community music school, and our K–8 schools are at the center of our community," Music Institute President and CEO Mark George said. "We appreciate our K–8 music teachers and are eager to collaborate with them. Our goal is to inspire students and support the work of the teachers so their school music programs continue to flourish.”

Mary Jo Ferneding, music teacher at Greeley School in Winnetka said, "My students really benefitted from the sectional the Music Institute provided for the students in the chorus last year. It’s great that the Music Institute is offering free services for K–8 schools in the area. We really appreciate the Music Institute working with us.”

From Wilmette’s Highcrest Middle School, Orchestra teacher Anne McTighe added, “The students had a blast and learned so much at the bass clinic provided by the Music Institute. I know what he talked to them about will really help improve their playing. Thank you for all the hard work you put into making this possible. I really appreciate being able to collaborate with the Music Institute.”

Interested teachers, principals, or PTO members can contact Sue Polutnik at 847.448.8311 for more information.

» via Music Institute of Chicago

_{Top photo credit: Elliot Mandel | Courtesy Music Institute of Chicago}