When professional musicians walk into an elementary classroom, the room comes alive. For many students, it’s their first encounter with live music, from classical ensembles to rhythmic movement and dance activities. This introduction can spark curiosity, excitement, or even a newfound talent, giving children a hands-on chance to explore music in ways they might not experience anywhere else.
Through Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play programs, teaching artists bring musical concepts and activities into the classroom, offering students a glimpse into the possibilities of performance, collaboration and creative expression.
Designed to bring live music, hands-on learning and creative exploration directly into schools, many with limited access to music curriculum, the initiative now serves more than 20,000 public students each year.
Amy Lowe leads students in a musical exercise as part of Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play program.Ravinia Festival/Lee Golden
Guest artists in the classroom
As a part of the REACH pillar of Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play initiative, the Guest Artists in the Classroom program invites professional musicians to perform pieces, demonstrate instruments and guide students through musical activities.
Alexander Madriaga, a fourth grader at Washington Irving Elementary, says he loves learning new sounds and techniques.
His mother, MaDivina Bautista notes that his work with Ravinia’s program has already introduced him to new genres and inspired new interests: “He likes beatboxing and told me he wanted to learn how to play the flute.”
For second grader Noelle Holden, also at Washington Irving Elementary, the program immerses her in music.
“It feels like I have my whole band with me,” she says, describing her excitement when new musicians enter the classroom. While learning about these new musical techniques and rhythms, she imagines all the possibilities performance can offer. “I think about the costumes, the dancing and the lead,” she shares.
Noelle participating in Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play Music Discovery Program.Ravinia Festival/Lee Golden
Other components of Ravinia’s REACH programming include KidsLawn, an interactive, outdoor experience where children explore rhythm and sound on large-scale sculptural percussion instruments, and One Score, One Chicago, an annual summer performance with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra that encourages children and families to enjoy live music together in a community setting.
Learning through music
Ravinia’s Music Discovery Program introduces students to the foundational concepts of music and is completed with an all-student performance at their school. Participants then visit Ravinia itself, performing on the historic Martin Theater stage for families and classmates from other schools. This component of Ravinia’s TEACH pillar gives students a chance to rehearse, collaborate and experience the excitement of what may be their first public performance.
Mackenzie Mackey, a first grader at Washington Irving Elementary, was not a stranger to the stage before her experience with Ravinia’s Music Discovery Program. Her mother, Michelle Mackey, says Mackenzie “has been listening to music since before she could walk.”
Through the program, her love for music has grown alongside her confidence and understanding of performing in a group. “She has never been shy, but learning that practicing and working with other children and following instructions is important…I love to see her confidence grow,” Michelle says.
Noelle’s experiences with Music Discovery have inspired her to dream bigger for the future. Thanks to Ravinia, she hopes to become a lead singer someday. Her mother, Diamond Holden notes that performing has helped her build confidence. “She likes being in the front. It makes her believe she can do it.”
Amy Lowe facilitates a group musical exercise through Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play initiative.Ravinia Festival/Lee Golden
Taking music further
Thousands of children across Chicago and Lake County have access to these once-in-a-lifetime musical experiences because of Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play initiative.
MaDivina Bautista says she is “very proud of Alexander and happy that these activities help him develop gross motor skills, enhance listening and memory abilities, and foster a sense of rhythm especially expressing his emotions and a way to connect with others.” Alexander’s experience serves as an example of the program’s impact on Chicago students like Mackenzie, Noelle and countless others.
For students who want to explore music beyond the classroom, the PLAY pillar of Ravinia’s programming offers students opportunities for advanced training and ensemble performance.
Programs such as the Jazz Mentor Program, Sistema Ravinia and the Ravinia Lawndale Family Music School provide talented young musicians with orchestral training, pre-professional mentorship and tuition-free access to music classes.
A student participates in Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play Music Discovery Program.Ravinia Festival/Lee Golden
Inspiring the next generation
By bridging classroom experiences with more specialized musical opportunities, Ravinia ensures that students who show interest and aptitude have the resources to build the skills and confidence necessary to help them thrive as performers.
Ravinia opens doors for young learners to explore, create and fall in love with music without barriers.
Come join the fun!
Catch a show for yourself and see what it’s all about! For more information about the Kids Concert Series, which has special ticketing for children and their family members, visit Ravinia.org/KidsConcerts. To learn more about pre-concert activities and events at select Kids Concerts and Sunday CSO concerts, visit Ravinia.org/KidsLawn.
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Aug. 1, 2026: Laurie Berkner
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Aug. 8, 2026: Black Moon Trio: “The Great Lakes”: A companion to Barb Rosenstock and illustrator Jamey Christoph’s picture book, “The Great Lakes,” Black Moon Trio’s concert is a family-friendly journey through the scientific wonder of five freshwater jewels, offering an approachable way to gain appreciation for their role in sustaining nature and culture.
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Aug. 15, 2026: Okee Dokee Brothers
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Aug. 22, 2026: Divi Roxx Kids
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Aug. 23, 2026: “Grease” Sing-Along
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Aug. 29, 2026: JAM Orchestra: “Dr. Seuss Goes to the Opera.” JAM Orchestra gives a joyful introduction to opera, featuring professional opera singers in an interactive performance of the complete “Green Eggs and Ham” and “Gertrude McFuzz” Dr. Seuss stories paired with playful music to enchant all ages.