JAMES JORDAN CLUB, CHICAGO
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BLACKHAWKS x BGCC
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OnthedayChicagoBlackhawksvisitedourclubtomarka new partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, our youth stepped into leadership roles, acting as club ambassadors, guiding stakeholders on tours, and unveiling the new mural. They also performed live for distinguished guests including the Blackhawks’ president, the BGCC CEO, and our local alderman. The moment showcased the kids’ poise and talent, and underscored our studio’s role in developingconfidentyoungcreatorsinourcommunity.
UNIQUE YOUTH
STUDIO STARS SHINE
Following the ribbon-cutting and mural unveiling, guests were invited into the Notes for Notes studio for an intimate performance that perfectly captured the heart of our program. Three of our standout young artists, Brooklyn, Aiden, and Hannah, performed their original track “Eenie Meenie” for an audience that included the President of the Chicago Blackhawks, BGCC leadership, and other communitypartners.Theenergyintheroomwaselectricas the trio delivered their verses with confidence and joy, proving that even at just 10 and 11 years old, they already carrythepresenceofseasonedperformers.
JAMES JORDAN CLUB, CHICAGO
MICHAEL MAKES FIRST BEAT
Oneofthebiggestwinsthisfallhasbeenthesurge
of new teens joining our studio. More than ten new members since the end of September. Among them is Michael, a talented musician from the Chicago High School for the Arts who instantly found his rhythm here. In this clip, he’s learning how to make a beat in Ableton for the first time, creating a reggaeton track from scratch. Watching his excitement build as he added layers, experimented with sounds, and even recorded vocals at the end was pure joy. Since officially joining in October, Michael hasn’t missed a day, showing the kind of passion and consistency that make our teen programssospecial.
DANIELLE FINDS HER SPACE
Another new face this fall is Danielle, a student from Chicago Bulls College Prep. In this clip, she’s simply enjoying the freedom of the studio, singing her heart out to Muni Long, fully immersed in the music. It was her very first full day at Notes for Notes, but she already felt at home. Moments like these are exactly why we’ve worked so hard to rebuildateenpresence:givingyoungpeopleasafe, creative space where they can unwind, express themselves, and discover their voice. Seeing Daniellesocomfortableandjoyfulinthestudiowas the perfect reminder that the outreach and relationship-building behind the scenes are truly payingoff.
Some of the best moments in the studio come from the smallest victories, like when 7-year-old Demetrius sat down at the piano determined to learn “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” The clip captures him working through the melody, hitting a few wrong notes, laughing, and trying again until he started to get it. It’s a simple scene, but it speaks volumes about what the studio is all about: curiosity, patience, and the joy of learning something new.
