Chicago Center for Music Education
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Buddy Band at ChiME

Summer Buddy Band

Register Now!
Schedule
Saturdays, 6/13 - 7/25
​(no class 7/4)


​Age Groups
Ages 9 - 15,
10:45 AM-11:30 AM
​
Ages 4 - 8,
11:45 AM-12:30 PM


Pricing
$85.00 per session
(6 Saturdays)

Looking for a week-long option? Check out our Buddy Band Camps!
Buddy Band Camp
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What is Buddy Band?

Buddy Band is an inclusive musical group that brings individuals together to make music and to form friendships, regardless of neurotype, physical ability, learning style, or musical experience. In addition to working toward nonmusical skills that will serve them in any group and individual learning settings, participants will grow in foundational musical areas that will serve as a strong base for life-long music making. 

Each Band is led by two professionals, at least one of whom is a board-certified music therapist. This co-leadership and inclusive lens allows for work on neurodiversity-affirming social skills while building a true sense of community and accessibility. Buddy Band concludes with a fun, final performance for friends and families, showcasing the work and growth of the newly formed band!
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Buddy Band for? 
Individuals with or without disabilities, musical experience, or prior Band participation can register!
Where does it happen?
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, check out our partnerships!
What Results can we expect?
Buddy Band encourages both musical and nonmusical growth in participants. ChiME’s Band leaders will develop an individual goal for each participant and/or group goals for the programs. These goals 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 in 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 this fun-focused ensemble! ChiME will provide each participant with all instruments needed for Buddy Band.
Do parents/caregivers attend buddy band?
Buddy Band is designed so that all participants can be successful. If having a parent, caregiver, or other familiar adult present and participating during group will support the individual in question, then they are more than welcome! Adults can also remain onsite at ChiME during the class, but wait in the Family Room for a more independent Band experience.
how do i sign up?
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].

Otherwise, you can fill out the form on this page!

Meet our Buddy Band Team

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Renee Barnett Drew
Music Therapist
BIO
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Corrine Clark​
​Music Therapist
BIO
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Alli Dunn
Music Therapist
BIO
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Ryan Rothstein
​Music Therapist
BIO

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.”
 

Two students smile while showing their artwork.
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!”
Student Resources
2025-2026 Calendar
Parking Map
Tuition Assistance
Community Safety Policies


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Programs
Buddy Band
Classes for Little Ones

Group Classes
Music Therapy
Private Lessons

Partnerships

Chicago Center for Music Education | 1148 West Chicago Avenue | Chicago, IL 60642 | 312.738.2646 [email protected]

The ChiME Team
About ChiME
Administrative Staff
Faculty
Board of Directors
Supporters
Employment Opportunities
​Donate
  • Music at ChiME
    • Buddy Band
    • Classes for Little Ones
    • Group Classes
    • Music Therapy
    • Private Lessons
  • Partnerships
    • Classroom Music
    • Buddy Band for Partners
    • Professional Development
  • Summer Programs
    • Groovy Strings Camp
    • ChiME Time Camp
    • Buddy Band Camp
    • Make-A-Musical Camp
    • ChiME Music Lab
    • Percussion Jam Camp
  • About Us
    • About ChiME
    • DEI
    • Administrative Staff
    • Faculty
    • Board of Directors
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Calendar
    • Contact Us
  • 2026 GALA
    • Travel Raffle
  • Donate
    • Our Supporters