Bringing the joy and appreciation of music to Evanston schools since 1971
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Our Mission
Inspiring Students
Supporting Local Musicians
Strenghtening community
Bringing Professional, Diverse Music Programs to Every K–8 Classroom
Evanston In-School Music Association (EISMA) is a nonprofit arts and education organization dedicated to enriching the lives of elementary and middle school students through live, in-school music performances.
Twice each school year—once in fall and again in spring—EISMA presents its acclaimed Concerts for Kids series, reaching over 8,000 students and 200 educators across 19 Evanston schools, including special education and parochial programs.
Through engaging, professional performances by top Chicago-area musicians, students are introduced to:
18 unique genres of music
Instruments from strings to brass, woodwinds to voice
The cultural and historical context behind each musical style
Every concert includes thoughtful educational materials and inspiring storytelling, making music accessible, inclusive, and unforgettable.
Since 1971, Evanston In-School Music Association (EISMA) has been a cornerstone of music education in Evanston, bringing professional live music directly into K–8 classrooms. As a committed nonprofit and community partner, EISMA inspires thousands of elementary and middle school students each year with concerts that celebrate the diversity, richness, and power of music.
By presenting high-quality, in-school performances across a wide range of musical genres, EISMA nurtures a lifelong appreciation for the arts and plays a vital role in enriching Evanston’s cultural landscape.
Each Year We:
Research, plan and raise funds to sponsor 52 in-school concerts annually for 19 Evanston schools, including special education programs and two parochial schools
Contract top Chicago area musicians from a diversity of genres to share their craft, instruments, historical and cultural connections, and their love of music
Partner with school leaders, music educators, parents, and community members to Reach 8000 Evanston students grades K-8 and over 200 staff members twice a year
Collaborate with musicians and music educators to create education materials accompanying each performance
Provide staff and volunteers to facilitate performances in the schools
Inspire students with the opportunity to participate in 18 different professional music programs representative of the diverse musical genres
Empower students and staff with the knowledge and stories of professional musicians
Ensure students across entire Evanston community, regardless of ability or income, share a common experience listening to and learning about live music
Upcoming
Saxophonist and composer Chris Greene was born in Evanston, IL. He spent his formative years in the award-winning Evanston High School Wind and Jazz Ensembles. As part of the 2025 EISMA Spring Season, Chris Greene and his pianist, Damian Espinosa, will engage students in an interactive exploration of jazz. Through live demonstrations, they will showcase the art of improvisation, discuss the rich history and evolution of jazz music, and highlight the distinct sounds and ranges of various saxophones. This dynamic session will offer students a deeper appreciation of jazz as both a musical tradition and a form of spontaneous creative expression.
