Sweet Home Chicago isn’t just a song—it’s a feeling. And at Intonation Music, it’s the soundtrack to the incredible growth happening in classrooms across the city! Through Ingenuity’s Creative Schools Fund, we’ve had the privilege of partnering with Intonation Music to bring high-quality music education to students in schools that may not have access to traditional arts programming.
In addition to in-school programming, students also have the unique opportunity to visit Intonation Music’s space in Bronzeville. After just 3 hours of practice, they’re already playing “Sweet Home Chicago” as a full band! It’s nothing short of amazing to see how quickly students bond, collaborate, and learn to work together—proving that music is a powerful tool for growth, connection, and creativity.
Intonation Music partners with schools that lack traditional music programs, bringing new, high-quality instruments—purchased through their fundraising efforts—to ensure every student can thrive. Since its inception, Intonation Music has empowered nearly 7,500 Chicago Public School students, with 94% achieving proficiency across all rock band instruments. The impact is clear: 100% of school partners report improvements in students’ confidence, teamwork, and their willingness to embrace new challenges.
Thanks to a multi-year grant from Ingenuity’s Creative Schools Fund, John J. Pershing STEAM Magnet Elementary School now has the stability to witness this incredible growth year after year. This funding ensures the program’s continuity, allowing the principal to allocate their budget to other arts initiatives while tracking student progress and seeing just how much they’re thriving—both musically and personally.
The best part? These students are having an absolute blast while doing it! Also, make sure to keep an eye out for their new space launching in Bronzeville this June! The new space will feature a state-of-the-art production studio for writing and producing original music, as well as a teen lounge for after-school hangouts. It’s a creative hub designed to bring people together and is easily accessible via public transportation.
