We build community through music education.
It started with a desire to narrow the gap.
Chicago West Community Music Center was formed to provide high quality music instruction and community performances to reduce the music-related achievement gap between minority and non-minority students, and between economically disadvantaged students and their more advantaged peers.
Music builds the future.
Our Mission.
To enhance families and community through music.
Our Vision.
To see an on-going improvement in the economic, intellectual and social condition of the Westside communities within and nearby Chicago through education and training in the arts.
Our Impact.
To stimulate the personal and educational growth of the young people in our arts programs so their full potential is within reach.
Our History.
In 1979, a budget crisis resulted in arts programs being eliminated from Chicago Public Schools. Institutions in more affluent neighborhoods were able to bridge this gap with funding from parent organizations, private donations, and grants. Other organizations offered subsidized music programs, but programs in low-income communities were limited or became non-existent.
Chicago West Community Music Center (CWCMC) was formed by Howard Sandifer with a goal to provide high-quality music instruction and community performances that would help reduce the music-related achievement gap between minority and non-minority students and between economically disadvantaged students and their more advantaged peers. It would also provide scholarships for higher educational learning, foster a Westside community orchestra, acknowledge local talent, and place Chicago’s Westside on the map as having a music conservatory for anyone interested in learning to play music.
As a result of the hard work, complete support, and dedication of the faculty, students, parents, and families, CWCMC has strengthened the community it supports and provides benefits that go far beyond music education and unique performance opportunities.
Our Team
DARLENE SANDIFER, Managing Director
An experienced educator, administrator, and community leader Darlene’s goal is to give back by sharing knowledge with youth and children in underserved Chicago communities. She is passionate about introducing and enhancing the role of music education for youth who have little or no access to the arts. Darlene is the co-founder and managing director of CWCMC and helps support more than 800 children and their families by handling day-to-day organization operations.
HOWARD SANDIFER, Executive Director
A seasoned composer, arranger, producer, recording artist, and music educator, Howard is the co-founder and executive director of CWCMC. He is responsible for the leadership, development, delivery, and maintenance of CWCMC's programs, funding base, and development of a step-by-step learning process to help students learn and grow. Howard has received numerous awards for outstanding teaching, leadership, and work with youth and is the Co-Chair of the African American Education Committee of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Our Board of Directors
Roy D’Souza (Chairman)
Hoy McConnell (Vice-Chair)
John Blackburn, CPA (Treasurer)
Sam Crowley (Secretary)
Tim Binney (Director)
Doris Davenport (Director)
Jed Enlow (Director)
Howard Sandifer, Executive Director (ExOfficio)
Darlene Sandifer, Managing Director (ExOfficio)