CHIME (Community Help In Music Education)

Description

We are a small volunteer organization, working through partners including DC public schools, public libraries and museums. Activities include: 1. Offering series of free live, participatory educational performances "Music Around the World" to schools and other public venues. 2. Placement of qualified volunteer musicians to provide help with ongoing instruction during and after-school. 3. Distribution of donated instruments (new or in good repair) to DC public schools. 4. Professional development workshops for DC public school teachers. 5. Organization of "Music Connections" joint ongoing music projects (choral or instrumental) between schools with different demographics. 6. Advocacy and educational activities to promote required music in DC public schools and opportunities for all students to participate in choral or instrumental performing groups. In recent past-initiated and partnered with the Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum for exhibition documenting history and impact of DC school bands, with goal of helping to bring them back, and successfully campaigned for public funding of city-wide summer music program in 2005. Recognition includes inclusion in Catalogue for Philanthropy, and finalist for Mayor's Arts Award for Outstanding Contribution to Ars Education in 2007 and 2008.