Illustration of a handshake with white and yellow lines on a black background.

What We Do

Bringing Live Music to Evanston Classrooms

Twice each school year—once in the fall and again in the spring—EISMA presents its signature Concerts for Kids series, a transformative music program that brings professional live performances directly into 19 Evanston schools.

Over the course of 8–10 days, exceptional solo musicians and ensembles perform for thousands of students, sharing:

  • The art and technique behind their craft

  • Their personal inspirations and musical journeys

  • The historical and cultural connections of their music.

Flamenco dancer in red dress performing with musicians on stage.
A band performing on stage for a seated audience of children in an auditorium, featuring musicians playing trumpet, saxophone, trombone, sousaphone, and snare drum.

Why’s It Matters?

Students experience a rich tapestry of musical styles performed by various combinations of strings, brass, voice, and woodwinds, reflecting the diverse traditions of many eras and cultures. Through these engaging concerts, EISMA fosters an appreciation for live music and enhances the musical education of our young audiences.

A band performs on stage with five musicians playing various instruments, including a clarinet, electric bass, drums, oud, and guitar, in front of an audience seated in a hall.

​Past performers have included some of the best musicians in the Chicago area, such as Howard Levy, Corky Siegel, Maxwell Street Klezmer Band, Lamajamal, Reginald Robinson, Quintet Attacca Lowdown Brass Band, Mathew Tembo, Nicole Mitchell and Black Earth Strings, Occidental Brothers Dance Band International, and Gerald McClendon. ​​

History

Founded in 1971, the Evanston In-School Music Association (EISMA) emerged from a passionate group of music educators, parents, and community members responding to the elimination of instrumental music education in Evanston/Skokie School District 65.

EISMA began by providing instruments, instruction, and live music demonstrations in local schools. As instrumental programs were gradually reinstated, EISMA evolved—shifting its focus to Concerts for Kids, a hallmark program featuring live professional music performances held twice each school year.

These vibrant in-school concerts are offered at no cost to students or schools, making music education equitable and accessible for all.

EISMA’s long-standing commitment to arts education has earned widespread recognition, including:

  • The Arts in Education Award from the Evanston Arts Council

  • The Mayor’s Award for the Arts (2005)

  • Grants from the Illinois Arts Council and Evanston Arts Council

Through decades of work, EISMA continues to inspire young minds and connect the Evanston community through the power of live music.​

Illustration of a speaker with sound waves
Group of musicians performing with various drums and percussion instruments on stage. One person stands singing into a microphone while others sit, playing conga drums. A colorful gourd and other percussion instruments are visible.
Three musicians performing on stage with a double bass, violin, and acoustic guitar.
A band performing for a school audience
Children sitting in an auditorium watching a presentation on stage with a large screen displaying a piano image.
A musical band performing on stage for an audience in a theater.
Person playing a tuba on a stage with dark curtains in the background.
Indoor school assembly with a band performing on stage in front of seated children; decorative murals on walls.
A group of young children sit on a gym floor watching a performance. A woman with a microphone and a man near a table with equipment stand at the front. A basketball hoop and sports team logos are visible on the wall.
Flamenco dancer in red dress with fan, accompanied by guitarist and percussionist on stage
A group of musicians performing a drumming show on stage with a seated audience.
A group of four performers on stage in traditional clothing, with one playing a drum, another holding a tambourine, and the others standing with drums and hats. The background is a dark curtain.
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