PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Humboldt Park Extended Day program provided two elementary schools in the Chicago Public School system with 60-90 minutes of music instruction after school, four days a week. Students take advantage of both large ensemble and sectional instruction. In addition, the program intended to strenthen the Humboldt Park community. The program provided a challenging and inspiring afterschool alternative for hundreds of at-risk youth at Nixon and Lafayette Schools, and served a critical need for Chicago children who would have had little or no access to music training. PROJECT OUTCOMES: At Nixon School, Merit supported a 77 piece band. At Lafayette School, Merit supported a 66 piece band and a 10 person guitar ensemble. Students demonstrated the excellence of their training to parents, friends, and other members of their community through concerts at their schools and through a performance on-stage at Chicago's Symphony Center (home of Chicago Symphony Orchestra). All concerts were well attended and parents were extremely enthusiastic about the program. Back to YouthARTS Grantees CONTACT: Duffie A. Adelson, Executive Director Humboldt Park Extended Day Program 47 West Polk Street, Suite M3 Chicago, IL 60605 Phone: 312.786.9428 http://www.meritmusic.org/