In 1999, Executive Director Howard Sandifer established Chicago West Community Music, a nonprofit organization, to provide a safe, stimulating, and culturally rich environment in Chicago’s West Side Communities. CWCMC offers high quality music education and inter-generational performance opportunities. Among its many programs CWCMC offers instrumental and vocal classes in Jazz, Blues, Classical, and Gospel music. The Business of Music training gives insight into the music industry; through a partnership with Boston’s Berklee College of Music, students are prepared for college scholarships; and international travel and performance opportunities are available. The WISH (Westside Instructional String and Harp) program is open to students and adults who are interested in learning to play an instrument or would like to enhance their existing instrument skills. As a result of providing community music lessons, we have established a community orchestra (CWCMCSO). The orchestra is made up of teachers, professional musicians, college, high school, and grammar school students.