Bravo's Programs

Bravo’s unique programs support music students in primary, middle and high school.

For example, Bravo underwrites music lessons, supplies loaned instruments, and funds programs and after-school clubs.

Waukegan Music Programs

Instruments

Putting instruments in the hands of young musicians is at the core of Bravo’s mission. We have collected, purchased and distributed hundreds of gently used instruments, which are cleaned, repaired and inventoried by the District and assigned to students. Through Bravo’s Own Your Own program, we coordinate the purchase of instruments at cost for students who are ready to buy an instrument. We also purchase equipment, such as choir risers, music cases and racks for marching band uniforms.

Bravo is constantly seeking donations of new and used musical instruments. Please consider donating that instrument collecting dust in the attic.

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musical instrument donation

Bravo Buddies

Bravo Buddies is a 4-week summer music camp offering one-on-one music instruction to any interested Waukegan elementary or middle school student.

For many, this is their first experience receiving private lessons. Bravo Buddies teachers are musically talented college students, college graduate music education majors and local high school students. Teachers not only teach, but serve as mentors who inspire our campers.

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donate musical instrument

Mariachi

Through Mariachi clubs, Bravo helps provide culturally relevant music enrichment after-school.

Bravo launched the Mariachi program in Waukegan and is involved in expanding it to more schools, elementary, middle and high schools. Mariachi encourages music students to deepen their education by taking on an additional music class and for others it is their first time picking up an instrument. The atmosphere in the classroom is fun and lively. Mariachi students are frequently asked to perform in public, thus building confidence and pride in their music and heritage.

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donating musical instruments

Access

Bravo offers access to the cultural arts by providing bus transportation and tickets to music students and teachers.

By partnering with Ravinia Festival, The Lyric Opera, The Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, Lake Forest Symphony, to name a few, students are exposed to the rich cultural life in Chicago and the North Shore. In addition, high school students are given scholarships so they may attend summer music camp out of state, and locally we underwrite private musical instruction for those serious. For music faculty we provide professional development throughout the year.

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For Teachers

Student Concerts

Bravo makes it possible for over 1,000 students to come together and perform at a professional venue, the Genesee Theatre in downtown Waukegan. This annual spring concert spans two nights and showcases the rising talent in the schools.

Other sponsored concerts include Mariachi Festival and Cinco de Mayo performances, Lake Forest Day Parade, Lake County Fair, and Fiesta Ravinia in September.

We believe that performing before an audience is essential to learning music; our students perform throughout the year demonstrating their musical accomplishments.

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Raise the Bar |
Virtual Music Mentorship

Raise the Bar seeks to support students of all backgrounds to achieve lifelong success through music. Students with a promising desire, passion, and ability will be partnered with an alumnus from NPR’s From the Top, the Back to Bach Project, or another accomplished musician of the same instrument. They will receive online mentorship and musical training that pave each student’s directions towards achievement in character growth, critical thinking skills, musical development, and performance experience. In other words, a pathway towards college, career, and life accomplishment.
 
Interested students can register here: Student Registration Form: form.jotform.com/223605584196058 
 
Qualified musicians who seek to mentor should reach out directly to the program director at raisethebar.bravo@gmail.com