Buddy Band

Buddy Band is an inclusive, musical after-school program that seeks to break down barriers between typically functioning children and those with diverse abilities.

“Buddies” will be created by pairing diverse learners and typical learners, and they will be encouraged to learn about each other and support each other through fun, engaging musical activities and small group times. Buddy Band members will show off their hard work and new relationships through a final virtual performance! No prior experience is needed for participation in this new, exciting ensemble!

All participants will receive a ChiME Time Instrument bucket which includes 2 rhythm sticks, 2 egg shakers, 2 wrist bells, and 1 movement scarf, as well as a Glockenspiel with mallets.

This is a FREE program.
Generously funded by the
Ralla Klepak Foundation for Education in the Performing Arts
A $10 registration fee applies for ages 5 to 8 1/2.
A $25 registration fee applies for ages 9 to 13.

Ages 5 to 8 1/2 years
Thursdays from 3:15 pm to 4:00 pm
July 8 through August 19 via remote learning
with Ms. Alli

Ages 9 to 13 years
Tuesdays and Thursdays from
2:00 pm to 2:45 pm
July 6 through August 5 via remote learning
with Mr. Hales and Ms. Wrubel

Learn more about Buddy Band...

Who is Buddy Band for?

This Buddy Band session is for children ages 5-8, with or without diagnoses!

Where do classes take place?

Buddy Band is takes place virtually via Zoom.

What Happens in Buddy Band?

Buddy Band is an inclusive, musical after-school program that seeks to break down barriers between typically functioning children and those with diverse abilities.
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 created by pairing diverse learners and typical learners, and they will be encouraged to learn about each other and support each other through musical activities and small breakout-room group times.
This group will be led by a music therapist and a teaching artist, ensuring both musical and nonmusical growth, as well as a focus on inclusivity and the unique strengths of all band members.

what Are the objectives for buddy band?

Buddy Band encourages both musical and nonmusical growth in participants. ChiME’s music therapist will develop an individual goal for each participant with diverse learning needs. This goal might be musical, or reflect nonmusical growth in the following areas:
- Communication
- Cognition
- Behavioral/emotional
- Fine and gross motor
- Academic
ChiME’s teaching artist will also create individual goals for each typically developing Buddy, in either nonmusical or musical growth. Buddies will also be asked to take a baseline and summative survey with the help of their caregivers assess growth and learning on inclusion and anti-bias topics.
The final result will be a fun, virtual 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 new, exciting ensemble!
Participants need access to a device with camera, microphone, speaker, and internet.
ChiME will be providing each participant with a ChiME TiME Instrument Bucket, containing all instruments needed for Buddy Band!

how do i sign up?