Merit Music in Communities (MMiC) ensures that high-quality music education is accessible in schools and community centers across Chicagoland. And our MMiC program at Proviso Math and Science Academy (PMSA) takes serving the community to a whole new level.
In December, PMSA’s winter band concert brought students and members of the community together in a meaningful blend of performance and service. In partnership with the Community Congregational Church of Villa Park, the concert doubled as the band’s second annual Toys for Tots drive gathering. The Forest Park District lent their support to this initiative as well, providing the performance space at no cost and decorating the concert space, reception area, and toy drop-off entrance to create a festive atmosphere and reinforce the celebratory, community-focused nature of the event. Their combined efforts were well worth it: the drive surpassed their goal of 200 toys, making the holidays special for many children in the local community.
According to band director Justin Berchtold, students love this opportunity most out of all the activities they do throughout the year. “The students consistently express how meaningful it is to see their musical work directly contribute to positive change in the community,” he says. “It has reinforced our commitment to continuing and expanding these service-centered performances.” These expansions include yearly service-driven Memorial Day and Veterans Day concerts, also supported by the Forest Park District.
The performance itself was also guided by this community-building focus. Many PMSA students also participate in the Alice S. Pfaelzer Conservatory at Merit, and at the invitation of their PMSA bandmates, several other current Merit students and alumni joined the initiative, expanding the event’s reach far beyond a single MMiC site.
Three other Merit instructors from different programs served as special guest artists: Steven Gooden, Roger Dekind, and John Wambach. These three teachers performed alongside the students as well as conducted certain pieces.
“It was especially meaningful for students at our MMIC sites to see their conductors and teachers from Merit Conservatory actively join them in this initiative, further deepening the connection between the Conservatory and MMIC programs,” shares Berchtold. “The students were thrilled to perform alongside familiar mentors and collaborators.”
