Twenty years ago Wentworth Elementary School lost funding for their music programs. A Chicago public school for grades Kindergarten through Eighth, Wentworth is just blocks away from the Englewood Corps in one of the most violent neighborhoods in all of Chicago.
Two years ago, Vern Lawson (Divisional Music Director) struck up a friendship with the principal of the school and in October of 2005 the Englewood Corps of The Salvation Army began teaching music to Wentworth students. 40 kids began the music programs and learned piano, brass or choir music.
Yesterday, students of Wentworth Elementary performed their first concert in twenty years! Eventually all Wentworth students, around 580, will receive music education as classes are being taught on a rotating basis. Praise God for using The Salvation Army in unique ways and meeting the needs of community.
Youth Department