Notes for Peace
Launched in March 2018, the Notes for Peace project empowers parents who have lost children to gun violence to create original songs of tribute. With guidance from the Civic Fellows, guest teaching artists from the U.K.-based Irene Taylor Trust and professional vocalists, parents compose, perform live and professionally record their music, which is then featured alongside family photos and lyrics on notesforpeace.org.
To date, over 90 families have written songs to honor lives lost to gun violence.
“It was healing for us. I'm honored because Archie’s legacy is going to live on through this music…I’m not a grieving mother anymore, I’m a healing mother.” —Anthanette Marshbanks
Support for the 2023/24 Notes for Peace program is provided by the Clinton Family Fund, Megan and Steve Shebik, Theodore and Elisabeth Wachs, and an anonymous donor.
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NMI’s Notes for Peace joins local and global peace initiatives
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Notes for Peace, a program of the Negaunee Music Institute at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, empowers people to express their emotions, honor their loved ones and process their grief in their journey to seek healing through the act of songwriting.
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As a year of hard work by young musicians and educators comes to an end, the CSO's Negaunee Music Institute celebrates their achievements with a virtual showcase.
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