Reach Teach Play®: Play Programs

Sistema Ravinia students

Programs that encourage students to PLAY and experience music throughout their lives

Ravinia Jazz Mentors and Scholars

Jazz Mentor Program

The Jazz Mentors, a teaching and performing ensemble consisting of some of Chicago’s finest jazz musicians, give performances and master classes in Chicago Public High Schools. A central component of the Jazz Mentor Program is the selection (through audition) of the Ravinia Jazz Scholars, a group of Chicago’s most talented student musicians. The Jazz Scholars receive intensive year-round training by the Jazz Mentors, as well as scholarships and opportunities to perform. Learn more about this program.


Sistema Ravinia orchestra with conductor

Sistema Ravinia

Ravinia’s vision of an intensive and transformational orchestral music education program, fosters social development through exceptional music training for 3rd-8th grade students in Chicago and Lake County public schools. Inspired by the influential El Sistema model, students in the program receive daily ensemble and orchestral instruction in their instrument. Sistema Ravinia’s first site was launched at Catalyst Circle Rock School located in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. With the success of the Circle Rock site, Sistema Ravinia expanded to Lake County in October 2015 and uses our own Bennett Gordon Hall as a program site.

students at Lawndale sitting in a circle and interacting with their instructor

Ravinia Lawndale Family Music School

Housed in Lawndale neighborhood parks and community centers, this program provides children, adults and families with access to the arts and opportunities for cultural enrichment in the west-side community. The tuition-free family music school offers classes in general music, voice, violin, guitar and piano and provides free Ravinia lawn passes to foster the appreciation and joy of music.


To learn more about Ravinia’s PLAY programs, contact Isaac Sinnett at isinnett@ravinia.org