Program

 Core Program: IMW’s After-School of Rock and Pop:

At each IMW School or Park District program site, IMW instructors work closely with students as they explore each aspect of the pop-band format (drums, bass, guitar, keyboards, and vocals) before choosing their niche and forming a band with fellow students. After learning the basics on each instrument, students learn to play in an ensemble setting, rotating through the instruments. The following weeks are spent rehearsing as a group and making decisions such as band name, lineup, and set list.  The final weeks of each term are spent in preparation for a culminating community performance.

 Hip-Hop Pilot Project with Psalm One and Charm Lab:

Hip-Hop Music music is already a big part of our students’ lives, and now they get to explore it with their own voices, and with a serious artist leading the way.  That artist is Chicago rap icon Psalm One, whose intelligent and soulful style has made her one of the most talked-about MCs in modern Hip-Hop.  Through her own Charm Lab endeavors, Psalm has already demonstrated a commitment to mentoring kids across the country through music.

The students of RhymeSchool have spent three months writing, recording, and performing their own hip-hop track, exploring the power of the written word and strengthening their individual voices along the way.  The student crew in our pilot program, who have named themselves Chi Music Royalty, are getting a first-hand glimpse into what it takes to be successful – from writing rhymes and crafting hooks to performance and promotion. Our students are having a blast learning new writing and performing skills, free-styling for the class, and gaining industry insight from a mainstay on the scene.

Community Performance:

Performance is a major component of our program, and IMW students get the opportunity to play shows with their band all year long on a wide variety of stages. Opening Act Students perform at local School Arts Showcases and Chicago Park District Gym Shows, as well as at venues in the greater community such as the Chicago Children’s Museum and Whole Foods. Our more advanced students strut their stuff at clubs such as Lincoln Hall and Martyr’s, as well as major parades and festivals such as the Bud Billiken Parade, Taste of Chicago, Millennium Park Family Fun Festival, and North Coast Music Festival. All IMW students also get to take part in our own annual showcase events, IMW’s Rock-N-Pop Circus in March and The Stars of Tomorrow Music Festival in June.

 All Access Passes:Tracking Student Achievement

Our new Student Achievement Tracking System takes place each session during All Access Week. Students at all our sites use their All Access Passes to track their progress through three exciting levels: Opening Act, Headliner, and Superstar. Within each level, the students can get their passes validated in eight skill areas, and then move on to the next level. The system gives them the chance to excel in all areas of music, from drum beats and performance techniques to equipment setup and “Music Biz 101.”

IMW’s Instrument Library:

IMW students now have the opportunity to check out an instrument for the duration of their time in the program so that they can practice at home. Before receiving their instrument, each student must first pass a skills test, establish consistent attendance, and promise to practice at least 30 minutes per week. This is made possible thanks to instrument donations, repairs, and storage from IMW sponsors Hungry for Music, Chicago Fretworks, and Music Garage.

Family Band Nights:

These fun and interactive evening programs give students the chance to show off their new chops to their families, and to teach their parents how to play the instruments!