Community Impact
In honor of Hayden's love of music, all proceeds from each concert are donated to charities that support accessible music education. You can learn more about organizations we have supported below including Merit School of Music, this year's beneficiary, and The People's Music School. 2026 will mark the eighth annual concert; so far, we have raised $5,527.03 for accessible, high-quality music education.
Merit School of Music
In their mission statement, they state that Merit School of Music "transforms the lives of Chicago-area youth through removing barriers to high-quality music education." They are a nationally accredited music school located in Chicago that aims to help young people transform their lives and experience personal growth through music by providing access to participation.
You can learn more about Merit School of Music by visiting their website:
The People's Music School
The mission at The People's Music School "to deliver access to the benefits of high-quality, tuition-free music education." They state that through "intensive instruction and performance, our students achieve excellence in music that transfers to other areas in life. They grow musically, socially, emotionally and intellectually, and develop a foundation of responsibility, self-esteem, resilience and purpose." They "believe music is transformative and empowers the lives of youth, families, and communities."
You can learn more about The People's Music School by visiting their website: https://peoplesmusicschool.org/about/