What is Buddy Band?

Buddy Band is an inclusive musical group​ that aims to break down barriers by bringing children with and without disabilities together to make music and to form friendships. 

Each meeting is led by two professionals, at least one of whom is a board-certified music therapist. This co-leadership, combined with consistently small group time, allows for deeper social and relationship-building skill work, as well as a true sense of community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Buddy Band for? 
Buddy Band sessions are a wonderful option for children ages 4.5 - 12, with or without disabilities or musical experience!
Where do classes take place? 
Buddy Band is taking place at ChiME, 1148 W Chicago Ave. If you are interested in learning about how Buddy Band could be integrated at your organization, please click the "Partner Programs" button above.
What Happens in Buddy Band? 
  • Buddy Band is an inclusive, musical program that seeks to encourage relationship-building skills and musical skills for children with and without disabilities, diagnoses, and/or delays.
  • Using fun, age-appropriate repertoire and united instrumentation across participants, individuals will form peer relationships and work toward musical and nonmusical goals. Buddies will be encouraged to learn about each other and support each other through musical activities and small group times. ​
  • This group will be led by a board-certified music therapist and experienced teaching artist. This ensures both musical and nonmusical growth will be targeted, as well as a focus on inclusivity and the unique strengths of all band members.
what REsults should be expected from buddy band? 
  • Buddy Band encourages both musical and nonmusical growth in participants.
  • ChiME’s Band Leaders will develop an individual goal for each participant. This goal might be musical, or reflect nonmusical growth in the following areas:
    • Communication
    • Cognition
    • Behavioral/emotional
    • Fine and gross motor
    • Academic
  • The final result will be a fun performance for which participants will be able to show their family, friends, and community the work of their newly-developed band! 
What do we need to participate? 
  • No prior experience is needed for participation in any session of this fun-focused ensemble!
  • ChiME will be providing each participant with a T-shirt, as well as all instruments needed for the band!
how do i sign up?
  • Click "Register Now​" on any page to sign up for Buddy Band Today! If you have any questions about whether Buddy Band is the right fit for you, please contact our Director of Music Therapy, Alli Dunn, at [email protected]

Join the Band Today!

Saturdays, 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Oct 5th - Dec 14th
​(no class 11/30)
Tuesdays, 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM
Oct 1st - Dec 17th
(no class 11/5, 11/26)
Click below to learn about how we can incorporate Buddy Band
​at your school or organization
Buddy Band is funded by

Meet our Buddy Band Team

Renee Barnett Drew
Music Therapist
Hannah Bureau
​Teaching Artist
Alli Dunn
Music Therapist
Sara Beth Thomas
Teaching Artist
Ryan Rothstein
​Music Therapist

Everyone CAN in Buddy Band!

​Kelsey Sohrweide, Special Education Teacher at Walsh Elementary, Buddy Band December 2022

​"This is the first time my students have participated in something like this, and I truly mean it when I say it was life-changing for them.  Thanks for being so inclusive, collaborative, and just joy-filled in our time working together!! We would love to continue participating in Buddy Band/anything else similar in the future.” 
Lindsay Fredrickson, Executive Director of Chicago Arts and Music Project (CAMP), Buddy Band December 2022
​
​“Thank you all so much for collaborating with us this fall! It was so wonderful to have you join us and an amazing experience for my students as well… I would definitely be open to partnering again in the future. I have so much respect for what all of you do and for making music accessible to people of all abilities! Seeing the faces of the Walsh students during the applause was definitely the highlight of my evening!”