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Epic Steel Orchestra

The premiere performing ensemble of West Point SOM

 
 
 

Our Mission

Engage urban youth through music instruction and performance; cultivating artistically connected, socially conscious, productive adults.

Music and Motorcycles

It's what we do!

 
 
 

Urban Music Makers

Each student is writing a story. West Point is shaping the script!

 
 

Devoted Teachers

The interplay between teaching and mentoring is a strong component of our program.

West Point School of Music is a tuition free community music school improving the lives of youth on Chicago’s South side through music instruction & performance.

West Point School of Music’s mission is to engage urban youth through music instruction and performance; cultivating artistically connected, socially conscious, productive adults.

West Point School of Music both understands the importance of music education in disadvantaged communities and the need for dedicated partner organizations to provide this service in Chicago’s underprivileged neighborhoods. Budget constraints have led many schools to suspend or eliminate arts programs entirely. In many schools, in-classroom residencies are limited, which further illustrates the need for after-school programs to fill in the gap.

Why Music Education?

According to etmonline.org and statistics sourced from Americans for the Arts

Fewer Dropouts

2

As likely to graduate than those who do not.

Emotional Stability

3

More likely to win an award for school attendance.

Higher IQ

4

As likely to be recognized for academic achievement.

Why After-School Programs?

According to youth.gov

  • Working families and businesses also derive benefits from after-school programs that ensure that youth have a safe place to go while parents are at work.
  • Attending after-school programs can improve students’ academic performance.
  • Effective after-school programs can improve classroom behavior, school attendance, academic aspirations, and can reduce the likelihood that a student will drop out.
  • Participation in after-school programs has been associated with positive health outcomes, including reduced obesity and drug use.

Why West Point?

West Point School of Music makes instrumental music education available in areas where it is the least accessible. West Point focuses on low-income, underserved, and culturally isolated Chicago neighborhoods, including Roseland, Englewood, South Shore, and Chatham.

Additionally, programming is high quality, unique, & culturally diverse. As an example, the steel pan orchestra known as Epic steel is committed to performing the genre of music that gave birth to the steel drums in its native Trinidad – Calypso. The performers bring pleasantry and accessibility to this complex musical style and also demonstrate great flexibility and musical chops as they engage Latin, Jazz, Classical, and Contemporary music.

Student Impact

According to surveys, the vast majority of West Point students feel like they belong and that their involvement has positively impacted their school work.

Ephraim

West Point School of Music is special to me because I get to fellowship, share, and play music with others. I enjoy playing alongside my friends - they have become my family. Ekklesia Steel is as much fun as it is difficult!

Courtney

Music allows me to say things that I can never speak. Being at West Point has given me the opportunity to do something productive with my life. Before participating in the West Point School of Music program I had unrealistic dreams like becoming a veterinarian when I was afraid of even the tiniest spider. Now I am focused on becoming a professional clarinetist and playing in a symphony.

Ari

West Point School of Music is so important because it gives me an opportunity to express myself through music. I think without music I wouldn't be the creative and open minded person I am today. Music is something I couldn't live without because music resonates with my soul. West Point is the perfect way to find yourself.

Kianti

I like being in band. It gives me a chance to learn music. It is really amazing because I never played an instrument before. I will remember this experience for a very long time. Out of all the people I know, I am the only one that play an instrument. Now people always want me to play my saxophone

Jazmin

I love being here. It is awesome playing my instrument! At first I thought I would never get the hang of this whole ‘music thing” but now I can’t wait to to be a professional. My mom is so proud of me. Playing music also give me something to do. It has been a pleasure to be at West Point learning music. I have always wondered how to read music and now I know. This is a great opportunity and I would hate to waste it.

Megan

Music means hard work, focus, perseverance,confidence, and having a good time.

Taquana

Music is important to me because it runs in my family. I always wanted to play music but I was always too shy and everyone said that I was too young. I didn't let me being young ruin my dreams of becoming a musician. Before I started this program I always gave up but now I have gained knowledge and wisdom.

Lorenz

Music to me is a way of getting my feelings out whether I'm happy, sad, mad, or goofy. Music means finding another way to connect with someone you don't know and for me that meant Kellman students. Music is now apart of my life.

Lamar

Last year I didn't know how to play an instrument but since I have come to this program, I learned how to play steel drum and trumpet. I know that this will be good for when I apply to high school and college. Now I can say that I play two instruments.

Shanija

Music means focus, hard work, confidence, and lots of reading. Even though playing steel drums is different from my regular activities which are singing and dancing, it's okay.

Kayla

Music helps me to express my feelings. I just love all the people around me and how they help me. I have always loved music and now I get to write it!

Kenneth

Playing the bass steel drum has added to my talents like singing and rapping. It also keeps me open to new ideas.

Yaffe

Music means being able to learn something new.

Emani

Music has been very fun. This year, I have learned how to play and read music.

Leilah

For the past year, music meant that you had to stay in and be focused. I learned that you need focus to do and be excellent.

Steel Drum Player

Get Involved!

There are many ways you can help keep West Point School of Music in public schools. You can make a monetary donation. You can donate an instrument or equipment. You can book the band. You can become involved and advocate on behalf of the organization. Make a difference today!

West Point SOM Staff

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Educators

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