
MUSIC. MOVEMENT. COMMUNITY.
Empowering Chicago’s youth through music, dance, and creative expression.
JOIN BANDWITH CHICAGO
Are you interested in enrolling in our programs for the 2026 Spring Session?
If so, please fill out this form. We will email you reminders once registration is open!
Note: filling out this interest form does NOT register you for the upcoming session.


Elementary Community Programs
Youth: Ages 7-13

TITAN BAND
Instruments | Ensemble Play | Community Performances
With the modern band approach, Titan Band teaches students how to play, improvise, and perform on their instruments. Students dive into genres such as rock, pop, Latin, rap, R&B, country, jazz, and more—encouraging them to start making music from day one. Youth of all backgrounds and experience levels find the Titan Band approach engaging, fun, and inspiring. This ensemble is open to youth in 5th to 8th grade.

DRUMLINE 101
Percussion | Teamwork | High-Energy Performances
Explore this exciting drumline ensemble designed for beginners. Participants are introduced to essential snare drum techniques and rhythm skills commonly used to develop a foundational drumline program. Participants will start making music right away, engaging with a variety of drum and percussion instruments to create rhythms while developing coordination and ensemble skills. Over the course of the program, they will gain hands-on experience with snare drum and rhythm fundamentals, all while collaborating with peers in a supportive group setting. This ensemble is open to youth in 3rd grade to 4th grade.

DRUMLINE 202
Percussion | Teamwork | High-Energy Performances
Step into the energy and tradition of the drumline! This ensemble gives students the opportunity to become active members of a performing drumline while building musical skills, discipline, and teamwork. Participants will strengthen their rhythmic accuracy, coordination, and ensemble awareness through engaging group rehearsals and performance experiences. This ensemble is open to youth in 5th grade to 8th grade. All participants will learn to play a range of battery percussion instruments and will be expected to demonstrate competency on snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, and other core elements of the drumline.

JAZZ & HIP HOP I
Dance | Movement | Performance Arts
This is a high-energy class that builds technique, rhythm, and style while strengthening flexibility, body awareness, and overall fitness. Dancers focus on clean lines, turns, jumps, kicks, and leaps, while also learning fun, trendy steps that are used across many styles of dance. This program offers a well-rounded foundation for all dancers, making it the perfect ensemble for youth in 3rd grade to 4th grade to begin their dance journey.

JAZZ & HIP HOP II
Dance | Movement | Performance Arts
Ready to take your dancing to the next level? Jazz & Hip Hop II build on the basics and introduce dancers to more challenging combinations, powerful leaps, sharp turns, and stylized progressions. With upbeat popular music and high-energy choreography, dancers will strengthen their precision, flexibility, and technique while exploring isolations, musicality, and coordination. This class is all about growing your skills, building confidence, and having a blast while you dance! This ensemble is open to youth in 5th grade to 8th grade.

CHOIR: EMERGING VOICES
Music Production | Mixing & Mastering | Industry Skills
Sing, learn, and perform! This ensemble builds vocal skills and explores songs in many styles. Youth gain confidence, technique, and the joy of making music together. This ensemble is open to youth in 5th to 8th grade.

CHOIR: DEVELOPING VOICES
Music Production | Mixing & Mastering | Industry Skills
Developing Voices is a welcoming space where youth in 3rd and 4th grade can discover the joy of singing, build confidence, and grow as part of a supportive team. Through engaging rehearsals and exciting performances, choir members strengthen their musical skills, learn the value of collaboration, and experience the thrill of making music together.
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BandWith Chicago Performing Arts
Teens: Ages 14-17

After School Matters Program
BandWith Chicago Performing Arts After School Matters Program offers a dynamic dual experience in the performing arts, giving teens the chance to shine in choir, dance, drumline, or stage band. Whether you're a vocalist, a dancer, a drummer, or an instrumentalist, there's a place for you here! Teens will select and participate in two activities that best fit their talents and interests:
01. Choir or Stage Band
02. Dance or Drumline
Additionally, teens will set and achieve personal and group goals and prepare for exciting end-of-session performances. Ready to grow as an artist and connect with others who share your passion? Join us and be part of something powerful!
Adult & Multi-Generational Programs

Steppin' with Keema
Dance
Dance-only sessions for adults, guiding participants through accessible, energizing line dances that celebrate wellness, rhythm, and expression.

Community Choir
Multi-Generational Community Choir
Experience a joyful community music course bringing seniors and youth together to learn, move, and create side by side. Rooted in the rich traditions of Black American Music, this program blends vocal performance, rhythmic movement, and cultural storytelling to celebrate the sounds that connect generations.

BandWith Sound Sessions
In the Music Library
Once a month on Saturday, the Music Library becomes a gathering space for music lovers, storytellers, and curious listeners. Each session features a guest speaker; artists, educators, collectors, community elders, musicians, and cultural historians who share the sounds that have shaped their lives. Whether you are a lifelong listener or just discovering new sounds, this community-focused listening experience offers a welcoming space to explore how music moves us, connects us, and preserves history.
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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, 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, Dance
“Performing at Arts in the Dark was unforgettable — the energy, the crowd,
the pride. I’ll never forget it.”
Nylah, Drumline
JOIN BANDWITH CHICAGO
Are you interested in enrolling in our programs for the 2026 Spring Session?
If so, please fill out this form. We will email you reminders once registration is open!
Note: filling out this interest form does NOT register you for the upcoming session.
