People?s Music School recognizes CSO trustee

By Ed Lowe
Senior Writer
Investment banker Charles Lewis, a Life Trustee of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO), was the recipient of the first annual “Partnership Award” presented by the People’s Music School in recognition of his championing of a community relations program in which the CSO and the People’s Music School work together to provide access to high quality classical music instruction and music appreciation to Uptown residents.
The People’s Music School, located at 931 W. Eastwood Ave., held its annual benefit on Nov. 7, at which the school’s founder and executive director, Dr. Ruth Simó, presented the award to Lewis. The Music Residency Program was begun at the school in 1998 to provide high quality music instruction and performance opportunities for personal and professional growth to people throughout the Uptown area. The school has been operating for more than 25 years.
The residency program provides performances by CSO chamber ensembles at the School as well as at public schools and community centers throughout Uptown. In addition, master classes for People’s Music School students in flute, clarinet and saxophone are taught by CSO musicians and special guest artists. Among the musicians who have been active in the residency program are John Bruce Yeh, assistant principal clarinetist with the CSO, and Burl Lane, CSO bassoonist, saxophonist and contrabassoon player. Local flutist Emily Graef is also a participant. All three were recognized for their work with the People’s Music School and its students.
In addition to its involvement with the People’s Music School, the CSO also engages in similar Music Residency Programs with other community based institutions including the Mexican Fine Arts Museum in Pilsen and the South Shore Cultural Center. All of these efforts are a part of the CSO’s community involvement, and are designed to make the orchestra accessible to diverse audiences throughout the city and to remove barriers between Symphony Center and the communities with which it works.