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.
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“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. 

Learn more about Buddy Band...

Who is Buddy Band for? 
Current Buddy Band sessions available are wonderful options for children ages 5 to 8 1/2,  or 9 to 13  with or without diagnoses!
Where do classes take place? 
This Buddy Band is happening virtually via Zoom with exception of the Thursday class for 5 to 8 1/2 year olds at 4:15 pm which will take place in-person at ChiME, 1148 W Chicago Ave. Mask-wearing, social-distancing, and zero object sharing will take place to ensure health and safety of all involved. ChiME’s staff and faculty are fully vaccinated again the COVID-19 virus. 
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?
Buddy Band is funded by the
Ages 5 to 8 1/2 years
Tuesdays from 4:00 pm to 4:45 pm
September 21 through December 14 via remote learning
​$125 per participant
​with Ms. Hannah and Ms. Sonia
Ages 5 to 8 1/2 years
Thursdays from 4:15 pm to 5:00 pm
September 23 through December 16 in-person at ChiME
​$125 per participant
​with Ms. Alli and Ms. Sonia
Ages 9 to 12 1/2 years
Thursdays from 4:15 pm to 5:00 pm
September 23 through December 16 via remote learning
​$125 per participant
​with Mr. Grant and Ms. Hannah

Meet our Buddy Band team

Sonia Bourdaghs
​Music Therapist
Hanner Bureau
​Teaching Artist
Alli Dunn
​Music Therapist
Grant Hales
Music Therapist

Chicago Center for Music Education | 1148 West Chicago Avenue | Chicago, IL 60642 | 312.738.2646   
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