PING! believes that participation in the arts is an essential and fundamental part of a child’s educational experience which should be available to all students regardless of family circumstances.
PING! brings equitable access to the instrumental music programs in Oak Park and River Forest School Districts 90, 97, and 200 by loaning instruments and providing music enrichment opportunities to students in need, opening the door to music education and all its related benefits to those students who would otherwise be unable to participate.
About PING!
PING! (Providing Instruments for the Next Generation) is a community nonprofit organization providing equitable access to band and orchestra instruments and music enrichment opportunities for students in need in grades 4 through 12 in Oak Park and River Forest, Illinois, public schools.
PING! is a volunteer-run organization. Board members run the instrument, enrichment, mentoring and family support programs, and manage the administrative and fundraising tasks.
PING! was founded on the belief that participation in the arts is an essential and fundamental part of a child’s educational experience that should be accessible to all students regardless of family circumstances. Equity and access are addressed by loaning instruments and providing music enrichment to students who otherwise could not participate.
Since 1998, PING! has provided opportunities for more than 750 students. Every year, 120-140 students play in the D90, D97, and D200 bands and orchestras with a PING! instrument. Because of our generous donors, partnerships, volunteers, and grantors, PING! helps make instrumental music education possible for all students who want to participate.
Our Strategic Direction
- Never turn a student in need away
- Deepen and strengthen our enrichment programming so all students can reach their full potential
- Broaden student horizons with mentoring, music camp and music tour opportunities, and private lessons
- Encourage retention so students can receive all the benefits of music education over time
- Engage families to support their students and each other
- Collaborate with local partners to leverage resources and strengthen our capacity
- Maintain financial sustainability and be responsible stewards of our donations