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🎤 nOW ENROLLING

After School Matters
Music Program

June 23 – Aug 1 • Ages 14–18

Serving youth through the power of music & arts

MORE THAN MUSIC

ACCESS. OPPORTUNITY. JOY

East Garfield Park’s future home for creative expression

A HOME FOR THE ARTS

Opening Fall 2025

BandWith Chicago's 9th Annual Funky Brunch

funky brunch 5K EVENT

WAS A SUCCESS!

THE BUILDING PROJECT

BandWith’s free performing arts programs will be moving into a permanent home, to open in the fall of 2025. Through a generous gift from the Glasser & Rosenthal families, BandWith was able to purchase a 25,000 sq. ft. building in East Garfield Park. However, we need your help to complete the project! 

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2022

Capital Campaign Launched

BandWith kicked off fundraising efforts to build a permanent performing arts center in East Garfield Park.

2023

$8M+ Raised for the Project

Thanks to incredible donors—including the Glasser & Rosenthal families. BandWith secured over $8 million to make the dream real.

2024

Groundbreaking Ceremony

Shovels hit the ground as construction officially began at the new 25,000 sq. ft. home just blocks from our original program site.

2025

Construction Underway

Progress is moving fast. The space is taking shape; walls, rooms, and performance areas are coming to life.

Fall 2025 

RIBBON CUTTING

The BandWith Performing Arts Center opens its doors ready to welcome students, families, and the entire community.

KEY MILESTONES

BUILDING OUR FUTURE

OUR PROGRAMS

Empowering Chicago’s youth through music, dance, and creative expression.

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DRUMLINE

Formed in 2019, Drumline builds rhythm, discipline, and belonging. Students learn and perform across Chicago.

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DANCE

Year-round dance education powered by expressive movement and community showcases.

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STUDIO ENGINEERING

Students are introduced to the foundations of sound recording and production for college-level and entry-industry skills.

250+

students learning, creating, and performing each year.

$13.5M+

raised for our new building project

10+

years of empowering youth through music and movement.

50+

live performances each year at schools, festivals, and city events.

10000+

hours of music and arts instruction delivered.

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hear it from our students

What BandWith does goes beyond music. These are the voices of parents, students, and supporters who’ve felt the difference firsthand.

"BandWith feels like family. It’s helped me express myself through dance and become more confident in who I am."

Jaliyah, Junior, Choir & Dance

“BandWith’s after school program takes me back to when I was young and we had programs and people who cared about the well-being of the kids. With programs like BandWith, youth throughout Chicago can see their
potential and value.”

Bernetta Smith, BandWith parent  

“I can be having the worst day of my life and when I start dancing, I can feel a weight being lifted...I feel dancing gives me the freedom to be happy"

Mario, Dance Team

"Music used to be just a hobby , now I see it as my future. BandWith gave me purpose and a path."

Kristian, Drums & Piano

“When I dance with BandWith, I feel free. It’s like all the stress of the day just melts away.”

Angel, 10th Grade, Dance

“Performing at Arts in the Dark was unforgettable — the energy, the crowd, the pride. I’ll never forget it.”

Nylah, Drumline

“I joined for the drums, but I gained so much more. BandWith brought me out of my shell and gave me real friends and real growth.”

Ashari, Drummer

“I started BandWith just wanting to dance. Now I’m learning to sing, perform, and even lead. It opened me up.”

Cenyhia, Junior, Dance

“It’s more than an after-school program. BandWith taught me patience, professionalism, and how to show up for others.”

Justice, Dance

Our mission is to promote wellness within underserved Chicago communities by providing lasting access to exceptional performing arts instruction.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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🚐 4th Annual Performance Tour: Detroit

June 12-15, 2025

BandWith’s All Star Artists take their talents on tour to Detroit.

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after school matters program

June 23 - Aug 1, 2025

📍 212 S. Francisco Ave Chicago,IL 60612

NEWSLETTERS & ARTICLES

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