About Us
Annie Palomino, Founder
Annie Palomino grew up in a household where music was playing constantly; her father's Summer Music Party can still be heard every July ringing well into the wee hours in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago.
She founded Bandwith as an effort to bring positive experiences into the lives of children who don't often have those resources readily available. Initially begun while Annie was teaching at LEARN Charter School, the program now encompasses 5 schools in the Chicago area; Mrs. Palomino shuttles from one school to the next throughout the week overseeing the musical development of more than 80 students.
Participation in the program allows her young musicians access to an instrument, a weekly private lesson, and a weekly ensemble rehearsal. Mrs. Palomino firmly believes that exposure to music and ensemble playing, are especially beneficial in communities were such programs are not the norm, and hopes to see her program flourish to encompass as many young musicians as possible.
She lives in Chicago, IL with her husband and 3 children, and holds a Masters in Music Education from Hunter College in New York City.
Annie Palomino grew up in a household where music was playing constantly; her father's Summer Music Party can still be heard every July ringing well into the wee hours in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago.
She founded Bandwith as an effort to bring positive experiences into the lives of children who don't often have those resources readily available. Initially begun while Annie was teaching at LEARN Charter School, the program now encompasses 5 schools in the Chicago area; Mrs. Palomino shuttles from one school to the next throughout the week overseeing the musical development of more than 80 students.
Participation in the program allows her young musicians access to an instrument, a weekly private lesson, and a weekly ensemble rehearsal. Mrs. Palomino firmly believes that exposure to music and ensemble playing, are especially beneficial in communities were such programs are not the norm, and hopes to see her program flourish to encompass as many young musicians as possible.
She lives in Chicago, IL with her husband and 3 children, and holds a Masters in Music Education from Hunter College in New York City.
Christy Bennett is a vocalist and educator based out of Chicago. She has been teaching voice and piano lessons and performing in Chicago and throughout the US for over a decade. She regularly can be found performing in Chicago with her quartet and her swing group, Fumée. She holds a BA in vocal Performance from DePaul University where she also worked in the DePaul Community Music office.
As a teacher, Christy combines rote-learning with creativity using music games and composition to inspire and motivate students. In addition to teaching for BandWith, she is also the Director of Development where she hopes to make music and creativity a flourishing part of the communities BandWith touches.
She lives in Chicago, IL with her boyfriend, cat and 2 rabbits.
Christy Bennett, Director of Development
Salvador Ortiz is a local musician and luthier with over 25 years in Chicago's music scenes. Sal teaches audio production and music and consults on all things of a technical nature for non-profit education and broadcast programs as well as independent music projects and productions.
Salvador Ortiz, Instrument Repair Volunteer