CHICAGO METAMORPHOSIS ORCHESTRA PROJECT
ChiMOP
The Chicago Metamorphosis Orchestra Project (ChiMOP) empowers youth through access to intensive and creative music learning opportunities on Chicago’s west side.
CHICAGO METAMORPHOSIS ORCHESTRA PROJECT
Our vision
We at ChiMOP share a vision for the future of our city and its many diverse communities. We strive to provide increased access to music opportunities on Chicago’s west side and act as agents of positive social change together with these young musicians and their families.
Our Impact
ChiMOP has made a positive impact on the lives and futures of hundreds of Chicago youth and their families. Graduates from our El sistema inspired Mary Lyon Youth Orchestra program (MLYO) have been accepted to select enrollment high schools and successfully auditioned for advanced youth orchestra ensembles and music training opportunities. Alumni from our Summer Youth Orchestra (SYO) have gone on to prestigious conservatories and acclaimed universities on music scholarships. We are committed to continuing the fight for equitable access to quality youth music programs so young Chicago musicians everywhere can explore their potential and carve a path toward whatever future they dream.
1+
Million Dollars Raised
to support free instruments and music programs for Chicago youth
3+
thousand hours making music
with young Chicago students in lessons, rehearsals, concerts, tours, and festivals
7+
Years Serving communities
giving Chicago’s west side access to quality youth orchestra opportunities
Our Programs
ChiMOP tuition-free programs are offered to youth with limited access to the arts. Participants are provided instruments and access to daily music lessons, youth orchestra rehearsals, electives, and opportunities to explore social skills and human values.
Mary Lyon Youth Orchestra (MLYO)
Mary Lyon Elementary School, located in the west side Chicago neighborhood of Belmont Cragin, is the home of the flagship ChiMOP program the Mary Lyon Youth Orchestra. MLYO started in the fall of 2013 and has since offered free youth music programming to more than 300 students over the last six years.
Summer Youth Orchestra (SYO)
The ChiMOP Summer Youth Orchestra (SYO) is a free youth orchestra camp open by audition to any Chicago high school musician with experience playing an orchestral instrument. SYO has completed SEVEN seasons of ambitious programming, performed more than thirty concerts in venues across the city and beyond, and toured to places like Michigan, Saint Louis, Cincinnati, and Philadelphia, collaborating with other music for social change projects along the way!
October 2017
“Since the program started, we have seen students blossom socially, academically, and musically. We have seen parents become more engaged with their children’s activities, both academic and extracurricular.”
Cliff Gabor, Principal of Mary Lyon Elementary School
Get Involved
ChiMOP depends on the support of our community! Are you interested in joining us to help build community and empower youth through music? Whether it is joining our Board of Directors, volunteering during program hours, or making financial contributions, there are many ways to support this organization and our mission!
Sign Up For a Program
Explore our variety of orchestral programs geared towards any level of youth music-maker. Join us today!
Volunteer opportunities
Click here to find out how you can help empower Chicago youth with music. Thank you for your interest in ChiMOP!
Make a Donation
ChiMOP relies on the generosity of donors like you to support the work of building community through music.