BandWith Chicago Performing Arts Programs

BandWith Chicago Performing Arts Programs offers band, drumline, choral ensembles, dance ensembles, and individual and small group music instruction. Students can take part in specific classes such as Titan Band, Drumline 101, Drumline 102, Jazz & Hip Hop I, Jazz & Hip Hop II, Choir: Emerging Voices, and Choir: Developing Voices. The program includes weekly ensemble play, performance opportunities, and activities in music, dance, and creative expression, including percussion, a high-energy drumline ensemble, snare drum techniques, rhythm skills, battery percussion instruments, dance technique, rhythm, and style, as well as turns, jumps, kicks, leaps, sharp turns, and stylized progressions, plus singing and vocal skills and access to a music library called BandWith Sound Sessions, which includes a session exploring the history and evolution of soul line dancing.

• Ages: 8–13 years old

BandWith Chicago Performing Arts Programs is part of BandWith, a Chicago-based non-profit organization whose mission is to promote wellness for underserved Chicago communities through lasting access to high quality performing arts programs and exceptional performing arts instruction. The organization was founded in 2013 and has 13+ years of empowering youth through music and movement, with free performing arts programs and free in-school and after-school programs. Each year, over 800 students are learning, creating, and performing, with over 50 live performances at schools, festivals, and city events and 15,000+ hours of music and arts instruction delivered, and the programs are open to specific grade ranges including 3rd–4th grade and 5th–8th grade.

BandWith operates a permanent 25,000 sq. ft. Performing Arts Center & Community Hub that includes a music library called BandWith Sound Sessions and offers youth and adult community programs where generations on the West Side will have opportunities to create, express themselves, and grow through arts programs. The organization focuses on serving communities through the power of music and arts, promotes wellness for underserved Chicago communities, and emphasizes promoting wellness and connectedness through making music with others. Unique features include a modern band approach in Titan Band, drumline ensembles focused on teamwork and high-energy performances, Jazz & Hip Hop dance classes using upbeat popular music and high-energy choreography, monthly BandWith Sound Sessions in the Music Library, and job-training opportunities for youth in the new facility, supported by more than $13.5M raised for the new building project.

The leadership team includes Executive Director/Director Annie Palomino, Board Secretary Tona Palomino, Philanthropy Officer Missey Love, and Assistant Director Christopher Smith. Testimonials from participants and families describe experiences in choir, dance, drumline, and other activities, including comments from Jaliyah (Choir & Dance), Mario (Dance Team), Kristian (Drums & Piano), Angel (Dance), Nylah (Drumline), and parent Bernetta Smith.

Last updated April 18, 2026.