The Chicago West Community Music Center (CWCMC) Business of Music students gave a stellar performance to a packed audience last night at the After School Matters Citywide Showcase in the Chicago Theatre.
CWCMC Business of Music Program is part of the gallery37 After School Job Training program for high school students. CWCMC Business of Music Program sessions last for 10-weeks and occur three times a year. Students learn fundamental business aspects of the music industry along with techniques in professional performance. Once a youth completes a session, they are eligible for employment for Chicago performance events. CWCMC’s program is under the guidance of instructor Wilbert Crosby, and founders – Darlene and Howard Sandifer.
The finale of 10 performances last night, CWCMC’s 31 teens "Let the Sunshine In" with a rocking rendition of songs from the play "Hair." For the grand finale, they were joined by youth from the After School Matters Dance Ensemble, Chicago Opera Theater for Teens, Hip Hop Culture Dance Ensemble, Hip Hop Dance & Drill, JHP: Leadership Apprenticeship Mentoring Program, Move Me Soul, Queen Nzinga’s Brigade; the Songwriting & Producing group from Kenwood Academy High School and Simeon Career Academy High School, and the West African Drumming group.
After the concert, the South Shore Chefs provided delicious treats for all. The youth of South Shore Chefs are also participants in the After School Matters Program.
After School Matters is a nonprofit organization that offers Chicago teens innovative out-of-school activities through it’s science37, sports37, tech37, words37 and nationally-recognized gallery37 programs. Programs are provided through a network of public and private partnerships that include the CWCMC Business of Music program.
