MusicianCorps

MusicianCorps is a new, national “musical Peace Corps” that is being piloted in four cities nationwide including Chicago. Urban Gateways partnered with MusicianCorps to bring six fellows to Chicago and will be managing the program locally.

Meet Chicago's MusicianCorps Fellows>>

Check out photos from our MusicianCorps Launch Party>>

Read the press release announcing MusicianCorps in Chicago>>

About MusicianCorps:

MusicianCorps was established by the service organization Music National Service (MNS), which is headed up by CEO & Founder Kiff Gallagher, a successful musician and national service veteran who served in the Clinton White House and on the Obama campaign’s National Arts Policy Committee. 

Drawing inspiration from other service programs such as AmeriCorps and Teach for America, MusicianCorps recruits and trains talented musicians to provide a year of music-driven service in low-income communities and under-resourced public schools. Chicago’s six MusicianCorps Fellows will serve the following communities: Back of the Yards, Bucktown, Englewood, Garfield Ridge, Humboldt Park, North Lawndale and South Chicago.

“At Urban Gateways, we believe that creative expression enriches the learning process and therefore all children should have the opportunity to engage in meaningful artistic experiences on an ongoing basis.  That is why we have partnered with MNS to bring MusicianCorps to Chicago.  The Fellows will improve the quality of life within the communities they serve and prepare our young people with the creativity and innovation they’ll need to succeed in the 21st century,” said Julie F. Simpson, Urban Gateways Executive Director.   

As an MNS affiliate organization, Urban Gateways is responsible for raising $300,000 to fund Chicago’s MusicanCorps program.  Currently about two-thirds of that money has been raised through individual donations, foundation funding and contributions from other local partners that support MNS.  The local partners include: Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education (CAPE), Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools, Columbia College Chicago and the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago.

Meet Chicago's MusicianCorps Fellows

JOVIA ARMSTRONG is a multi-percussionist, educator, songwriter, and producer. She was a 2009 Detroit Music Award nominee for Outstanding World Instrumentalist and has taught percussion, piano and music production at Youthville Detroit and Street Level Youth Media. Service Sites: Libby Elementary School, Herzl Elementary School and Hamilton Park

CYNDY FIKE is a singer/songwriter and guitarist who is passionate about music and youth. Through her love of nature and the creative arts, she has developed cross-collaborative programs for youth at community centers across the country, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.Service Sites: New Sullivan Elementary School and Russell Square Park

JASON GRIMM has been a professional pianist and teacher in Chicago for the past ten years. He has had the honor of working with several youth arts and arts-therapy programs around the city, including Gallery 37, The Goodman Theatre, DePaul University and The Auditorium Theatre. Service Sites: Kinzie Elementary School, surrounding community sites, and Wentworth Park Fieldhouse

JEFF HARMS is a Chicago-based musician and multidisciplinary artist who has toured nationally and released two albums. A founding member of the improvisational vocal/movement group, Stridulate, Jeff has also taught drawing and video in the classroom and afterschool programs. Service Sites: Sabin Elementary School, Pulaski Elementary School, and Holstein Park

VERNON LLOYD is an accomplished bass guitarist who has performed across Europe, Japan, and the US. He was a member of the 70s and 80s funk group, The Fatback Band. He co-founded Beverly Hills Recording Studio, an organization dedicated to providing recording and production experience to aspiring young artists. Service Sites: Chavez Multicultural Academy, Davis Square Park

JAVIER NÚÑEZ grew up in Puerto Rico, hearing traditional music at every family gathering. He bought his first drum set with savings from a summer job and enrolled at Antonio Paoli School of Music. Javier has shared his love of traditional music through the Chicago Cuatro Orchestra, comprised of children and young musicians who play that Puerto Rican string instrument. Service Sites: Back of the Yards, Chavez Multicultural Academy    

JAMIE TOPPER is a Chicago-based musician and educator.  She is a percussionist and specializes in Afro-Caribbean and Middle Eastern rhythmic traditions.  Jamie has worked as a Teaching Artist in Chicago schools and community settings for over 10 years, designing arts education and arts integration residencies with all ages. Service Sites: Crown Elementary School, Homan Square Park
 

Check out photos from the Chicago MusicianCorps Launch:

On September 22, Urban Gateways celebrated the launch of Chicago's MusicianCorps with a free, all-ages concert event at Homan Square Park Fieldhouse. The launch party was held in conjunction with Chicago's World Music Festival; it featured performances by the Chicago MusicianCorps Fellows followed by two World Music Festival performances.

For more information about MusicianCorps or the Musiciancorps Fellows, visit  the Music National Service website.