Staff Spotlight: James Hall, Program Manager
James Hall imagined being a part of an innovative program supporting gifted pre-college musicians from underrepresented backgrounds in the Chicagoland…
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A Student Navigator Walks into a Recital
Student Navigator Jennifer Woodrum reflects on her recent attendance at CMPI fellow Ella Saputra’s recital. The day began like most other days with some peace and quiet, morning coffee and…
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Fall Preview for CMPI Seniors
Senior year of high school is always filled with lots of emotions — from excitement to utter fear — as students prepare for college, send in their applications, and get…
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Ravinia Kick-off Event!
An absolute highlight of our last month at CMPI has to be the Kick-off Event at Ravinia on September 8. CMPI families, mentors, and staff gathered on the Ravinia lawn…
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A New Class of Fellows for 2021-22
The 2021/22 academic year will see CMPI’s community grow from 93 fellows to 108. With the addition of two double bassists to our program, CMPI now has students who play…
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Teaching with a Growth Mindset: Faculty Spotlight on Davis King
Teachers who understand the unique needs and aspirations of each student and work with them in reaching their goals are the kind of teachers that become part of the success…
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Providing Mentorship: Violinist and Educator Danielle Simandl
Violinist and educator Danielle Simandl Danielle became involved with CMPI after catching up with our Student Navigator, Jennifer Woodrum. “We were performing together at a gig, and during a break, Jenny…
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CMPI Summer Camps – August Update
Continuing from our July edition, CMPI fellows share more experiences, wisdom and memorable moments from their summer camps in this article. They are sure to carry with them inspiration and…
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Navigating CMPI: A Conversation with Student Navigator Miguel Aguirre
Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative (CMPI) is blessed with an abundance of talented individuals. From our young fellows, to the seasoned teachers and faculty, to the committed staff who keep everything…
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CMPI and Ravinia: A Harmonious Partnership
A highlight of this past summer with CMPI has been our constant engagement with the Ravinia Summer Festival in Highland Park. Over the summer we have been lucky enough to…
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Faculty (and Parent!) Feature: Timothy Riordan, Trombone
CMPI trombone faculty member Timothy Riordan knows how to fix any technique problems his students face because he has encountered most of them himself. Introduced to the trombone at an…
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CMPI Statistics 2021-2022
As CMPI enters its third year of programming, 38 new students and families will be joining the program beginning September 1, 2021. Here are a few statistics about CMPI’s full…
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CMPI Summer Camps – July Update
Our fellows are enjoying this wonderful time of the year by immersing themselves not just in the sunshine but also in exceptional music, teachers, and the musical community. Yes! Summer…
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Know a Fellow: Xavier Perry
Exciting times are up ahead for our CMPI graduates who have successfully completed their college application journey. One such student is cellist Xavier Perry, who graduated from Kenwood Academy High…
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Staff Spotlight: Welcome New Student Navigator Jade Garcia!
For Jade Garcia, CMPI’s newest student navigator, all roads seemed to lead to CMPI. “ inspired me because it combined everything that I am passionate about — my love of…
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Teaching with Greatness: CMPI Faculty Member Sang Mee Lee
CMPI violin and chamber music faculty member Sang Mee Lee is in many ways the textbook definition of a model teacher. She certainly has the pedigree — including two degrees…
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A Catalyst for Change: Adrienne Thompson discusses a results-driven life
Adrienne Thompson knows a thing or two about tough love. The Chicago-native has made a name for herself by thriving in challenging situations, including working in the banking industry, raising…
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Picture Gallery: CMPI Family Day, June 6, 2021
CMPI celebrated a triumphant school year during a socially distanced Family Fun Day in early June.
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EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW: CMPI Juneteenth Celebration
Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative programming has been underway for nearly two years. As a new organization, CMPI’s initial focus was on creating an infrastructure of support for our families. The…
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Common Ground: A reflection with CMPI Mentor Ayriole Frost
The Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative engages some of the most committed musicians to mentor its talented young fellows, so that they can grow and reach their full potential. One such…
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Casting into Music: CMPI Faculty Member Michael Hining
Michael Hining has been launching the musical journeys of his students from his Oak Park studio for over 35 years. His enthusiasm for mentoring future artists is contagious. When asked…
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Know a Fellow: Nate Scott
Senior viola fellow Nate Scott finds inspiration in an unlikely place: “Something that inspires me as a musician is watching someone gush about what they love about a particular song…
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Know a Fellow: Bryce Kayser
CMPI Viola Fellow Bryce Kayser just finished his senior year of high school. Starting this fall, he will begin his undergraduate studies at the University of Colorado-Boulder! But before he…
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Catching up and looking ahead with CMPI alumni
This month we are catching up with the first class of CMPI graduates to see how their freshman year of college went. The alums offer some reflections on the past…
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Juneteenth Celebration: CMPI Commemorates Change
The Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative began its first year of programming in 2019, a year that now feels like a different world. It was before the onset of the COVID-19…
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Learning from the Maestro: Riccardo Muti Coaches CMPI Fellows
It has been quite awhile since Chicago Symphony Orchestra Music Director Riccardo Muti has been to Chicago’s Symphony Center, but on March 31, he returned—albeit in a virtual form—to coach…
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Nurturing Excellence: CMPI Faculty Member Hideko Amano
Ms. Hideko Amano discovered the sound of her future during a third grade music class back home, in her native Japan. “I became mesmerized by the flute solo of the…
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A Conversation with CMPI Mentor Alex Hoffman
Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative (CMPI) is home not just to some of the most talented middle- and high school musicians. CMPI also has become a common ground for some of…
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The Journey of a Flautist: CMPI fellow Miguel Rodriguez
A talented and aspiring flute performer, CMPI senior Miguel Rodriguez started his musical journey in fifth grade. After trying out numerous instruments, he felt a strong connection with the flute.…
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Top of the Class: CMPI seniors announce future plans
It has been a year... Of closed schools and remote learning. Of masks and social isolation. Of toilet paper and disinfectant shortages. Of Zoom family meetings and virtual lessons.…
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Know a Fellow: Olivia Molina
When the pandemic’s quarantine began, musical activities suddenly transitioned to virtual options. So, too, did the college application process. CMPI violin fellow Olivia Molina had to negotiate these factors throughout…
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Staff Spotlight: CMPI Student Navigator Jennifer Woodrum
Let's take a peek behind the curtain and get to know some of the fantastic Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative administration. First up? CMPI Student Navigator Jennifer Woodrum. Name: Jennifer Woodrum…
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My Buddy and Me: CMPI offers unique training partnership with Northwestern University
Throughout the Spring 2021 semester, Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative fellows have participated in a collaboration with the Northwestern University String Pedagogy Department. The 12 participating CMPI students have been paired…
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A Conversation with CMPI Mentor Brent Taghap
CMPI Mentor Brent Taghap began playing the violin at age five in his home state of Florida. Taghap recalls asking his parents for a violin after seeing a child playing…
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Signature Sound: Getting to know CMPI Faculty Member Desirée Ruhstrat
CMPI Violin Faculty Member Desirée Ruhstrat Desirée Ruhstrat’s journey as a violinist and educator began at age three-and-a-half, when she started her studies at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. She…
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Know a Fellow: Nicole Kwasny
CMPI Senior Violin Fellow Nicole Kwasny | Image from Senn High Arts Twitter, June 2020 With college auditions behind her, violinist Nicole Kwasny is ready to take on the world.…
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Know a Fellow: Michelle Brannon
CMPI Senior Flute Fellow Michelle Brannon One of the goals of Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative is to ensure that each fellow can gain admission to a top music school or…
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Know a Fellow: Melissa Everson
CMPI Clarinet Fellow Melissa Everson lives by a motto: Just keep going. This seems like apt advice for everyone, especially as the world just surpassed the one-year anniversary of…
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CMPI fellows to play for Riccardo Muti
ABOVE: The CMPI String Quartet rehearses Verdi's Quartet in E minor. This winter, the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative staff received a remarkable request: Maestro Riccardo Muti, esteemed music director of…
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Know a Fellow: Adriana Koch
Just as March brings with it a growing sense of excitement and positive vibes, so too does Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative Fellow Adriana Koch. A high school junior and oboist,…
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Sound Reasoning: A conversation with CMPI Coach Horacio Contreras
A celebrated concert cellist, chamber musician, pedagogue and scholar, Horacio Contreras first was exposed to music through the famed El Sistema music education program in his native country of Venezuela.…
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A light ahead: Welcome to the March CMPI Newsletter
Dear Friends and Family of the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative, As we mark the one-year anniversary of the pandemic, let us take stock of where we are and, more importantly,…
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Dynamic Warm-up: CMPI fellows learn Alexander Technique
In January, the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative hosted Chicago-based Alexander Technique teacher and flutist, Jill Burlingame. Burlingame came highly recommended by one of CMPI’s partner organizations, The Chicago Youth Symphony…
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A conversation with CMPI Mentor Kyle Dickson
Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative mentor Kyle Dickson’s musical interests began in grade school, in Detroit's public school system. He remembers going on field trips to watch orchestra concerts conducted by…
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Spanning Boundaries: A conversation with CMPI mentor James Sanders
Chicago-born-and-based violinist James Sanders has drawn inspiration from his mother’s Dominican heritage along with his classical pedigree to create a career with myriad successes in the jazz and orchestral worlds.…
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Celebrating the musical contributions of liberty, love, and Black Americans
Dear Friends and Family of the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative, It seems like so much has changed since I wrote to you at the end of 2020: COVID vaccines are…
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The DOs and DON’Ts for Zoom Mock Auditions
Last month, CMPI hosted a series of Live, Over Zoom! Mock Auditions. The senior woodwinds and brass played for trumpet professor Leah Schumann from VanderCook College of Music, flute professor…
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Faculty Feature: William Buchman
Bill Buchman is an example of the career success and longevity possible in classical music, and that there are many paths one can take to get there. Bill has worked…
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Know a Fellow: Eric Bahena
CMPI Bassoon Fellow Eric Bahena "Make sure you start your college applications early," advises Eric Bahena, a senior bassoon fellow with the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative. To date, Eric has…
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Know a Fellow: Miriam Kessler
CMPI Harp Fellow Miriam Kessler Sophomore Miriam Kessler is particularly unique when compared to other CMPI fellows -- she is CMPI’s only harpist! Ironically, she chose the harp at age…
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New instruments for CMPI Fellows!
New instruments for CMPI Fellows! As we get ready to usher in a New Year, several CMPI students from the 2020-2021 cohort have already used their instrument stipend to purchase…
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A conversation with CMPI mentor Kevin Gupana
Kevin Gupana distinctly remembers when he first got serious about the oboe. It was his freshman year of high school, at the annual holiday assembly. “The full orchestra was onstage,…
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Santa’s come early: Here’s your December CMPI newsletter!
Dear Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative community, Can you imagine a holiday season without music? From popular songs to church choirs to roaming carolers—and even some of those earworm commercial jingles—these…
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Know a Fellow: Zachary Allen
CMPI Oboe Fellow Zachary Allen CMPI fellows are truly extraordinary, in music and in life, as you will see in this Q & A with Zachary Allen. Zach is a…
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Know a Fellow: Noah Briones
During the summer break, CMPI Violin Fellow Noah Briones kept himself busy and active while staying at home. In the two summers prior to joining CMPI, Noah participated in Birch…
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Faculty Feature: Martine Benmann
Fostering Musicality: CMPI Faculty Member Martine Benmann CMPI Faculty Member Martine Benmann Cellist and pedagogue Martine Benmann has been immersed in music-making for quite literally her entire life. “Although my…
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Introducing CMPI Faculty Member Orit Carpenter
Free your mind and the breaths will follow A screen grab of CMPI Performance Psychologist Dr. Orit Carpenter, from her summer 2020 Zoom lecture to the program’s senior fellows. “Working…
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Know a Fellow: Rafael Noriega
It’s that time of year! The weather is changing, clothing styles are back to layering, and high school seniors are stressing. Well, not too much, hopefully. The Chicago Musical Pathways…
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Know a Fellow: Nando Cordeiro
CMPI Fellow Nando Corderio CMPI trumpet fellow Nando Cordeiro takes us on his journey of the last few months, transitioning to online learning, taking trial lessons while at the same…
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Know a Fellow: Ixchel Camacho
CMPI Violin Fellow Ixchel Camacho performs as a member of the Orquesta la Tezoateca This year, CMPI seniors are adapting to the new virtual process of engaging prospective colleges. For…
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Know a Fellow: Kailie Holliday
CMPI Fellow Kailie Holliday Cellist Kailie Holliday is certainly making the most of her final year of high school. Not only is she playing in the Merit School of Music…
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Faculty Feature: Lucinda Ali-Landing
Generational Talent: CMPI Faculty Member Lucinda Ali-Landing Lucinda Ali-Landing wears many hats in Chicago’s music community — she is a violinist, educator, entrepreneur, and advocate. So it follows naturally that…
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Go Fund Them: Help finance new instruments for CMPI fellows
Four CMPI fellows, Sameer Agrawal (violin, grade 9), Abby Lopez (bassoon, grade 12), Jonathan Miller (cello, grade 9) and Oliver Talukder (oboe, grade 12), were featured on WFMT’s Introductions on Saturday, December…
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Zoomed In: CMPI offers elite masterclasses in 20-21
The fall semester has been packed with incredible masterclass performance opportunities for CMPI fellows. The busy calendar of activities launched on October 5, with a masterclass led by Los Angeles Philharmonic violinist…
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This #GivingTuesday, give the gift of music, opportunity, and access.
Dear Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative community, The holiday season is upon us! I hope everyone had a meaningful and safe Thanksgiving and/or Native American Heritage Days. I will not lament…
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CMPI Announces Inaugural Class
Seven Music Education Organizations Come Together to Support Young Musicians From Traditionally Underrepresented Communities in the Greater Chicago Area.
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Fall Kickoff: Welcome 2020/2021 CMPI Fellows
Four CMPI fellows, Sameer Agrawal (violin, grade 9), Abby Lopez (bassoon, grade 12), Jonathan Miller (cello, grade 9) and Oliver Talukder (oboe, grade 12), were featured on WFMT’s Introductions on Saturday, December…
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Know a Fellow: Ella Saputra
Sixteen-year-old violinist Ella Saputra is already well on her way toward a professional career. She has performed solo with orchestras several times, including twice with Midwest Young Artists Conservatory ensembles,…
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Alumni Spotlight: Oliver Talukder
CMPI inaugural fellow Oliver Talukder is one of only 12 musicians chosen to join the incoming undergraduate class of the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music this school year. Now a…
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Know a Fellow: Anika Veda
CMPI flute fellow Anika Veda already has amassed several musical honors, including a performance at Carnegie Hall as the winner of the 2019 American Protégé Music Talent Competition. This Halloween–October…
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CMPI Faculty Member Dr. Tanya Lesinksy Carey
Building Bridges: CMPI Faculty Member Dr. Tanya Lesinksy Carey Acclaimed cello instructor Tanya Lesinsky Carey has been helping students reach their full musical potential for decades. Her students have won…
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Virtually Proficient: CMPI Fellows offer insights on upcoming virtual recital
Recitals and gatherings at CMPI will be virtual through January, and possibly through the end of the school year. A year ago, the suggestion of a virtual recital would have…
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Read all about it! CMPI in the news, Summer 2020
CMPI received a lot of attention from the media this summer! In case you missed any of it, here are some quick links to get you all caught up… CMPI…
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Program Overview
What is CMPI? Made possible by a $3.5 million grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the mission of the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative (CMPI) is to identify and develop…
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Solo with ensemble: Fellows recall concerto experiences
For many musicians, the pinnacle of accomplishment is performing as a soloist with an orchestra. Several CMPI students have already achieved this tremendous milestone and were kind enough to share…
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Summer Reflections: CMPI Summer 2020
Summer Reflections: A look back at CMPI’s end-of-season activities Above: CMPI Fellow Julia Soto performs a socially distanced concerto with accompanist Beilin Han for the CMPI virtual recital on August…
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Alumni Spotlight: Abigail Lopez
ABOVE: CMPI alumna Abigail Lopez poses for a post-recital picture in Symphony Center’s Buntrock Hall. Recent CMPI alumna Abigail Lopez won’t need to travel far this fall to accomplish big…
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Know a Fellow: Brandon Harper
One day Brandon Harper just might compose music at the intersection of classical and jazz. The second-year CMPI percussion fellow is an elite youth musician in both genres. A recent…
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Alumni Spotlight: Amanda Perez
ABOVE: CMPI alumna Amanda Perez poses with her viola after a Fall 2019 recital. Six years ago, Amanda Perez picked up a viola for the first time. It was during…
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Welcome! A new school year, a new newsletter.
Welcome! A new school year, a new newsletter. Dear Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative Community, Greetings, and welcome to the second year of the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative! As CMPI Project…
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[VIDEO] Chicago Musical Pathways Is…
In this video, Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative (CMPI) fellows, parents, and mentors breakdown the components of the program and share what the pathway means to them.
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Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative fellows featured on WFMT’s “Introductions”
Four CMPI fellows, Sameer Agrawal (violin, grade 9), Abby Lopez (bassoon, grade 12), Jonathan Miller (cello, grade 9) and Oliver Talukder (oboe, grade 12), were featured on WFMT’s Introductions on Saturday, December…
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[VIDEO] CMPI featured on NBC 5/Telemundo
Two CMPI fellows, Abby Lopez (bassoon, grade 12) and Rafael Noriega (bass trombone, grade 11), speak to the impact and importance of this new initiative. Watch the video below to…
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Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative Trumpets New Leader
Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative (CMPI), the newly-established training program for talented student musicians from traditionally underrepresented communities, is proud to announce that music education veteran Adrienne Thompson will lead the…
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