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From Violins to Vital Funding

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 18:10:32 GMT

Grants Boost PING sustainability

As PING instruments were readied for the new school year, some new equipment was in the mix thanks to the Rotary Club of Oak Park-River Forest. A grant awarded by Rotary enabled the purchase of two gently-used student violins, one viola, and 27 bows for violins, violas, and cellos. Local music vendor Kagan & Gaines, Forest Park, fulfilled PING’s needs. The violin is the most popular instrument among PING students. PING’s aging instrument inventory requires the replacement of some instruments and accessories.

Another Grant giving PING a boost is from the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation of Chicago. This three-year operating grant is the most significant ever received by our organization. Two other recently awarded operating grants are from the Oak Park Area Arts Council and the Illinois Arts Council.

While private donations continue to represent the largest portion of PING’s revenue, to ensure long-term sustainability, we are diversifying our funding sources. Support from grants and foundations is an increasingly important part of our funding mix, steadily growing in recent years.

PING Partners Brings Mentoring to Youngest Musicians

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 20:18:15 GMT

PING Partners, an initiative that pairs beginning PING 4th and 5th grade musicians with high school mentors for weekly one-on-one support, was launched in the Fall of 2024. The program is striking all the right notes among its participants - showing increased confidence, stronger music skills, and meaningful connections between the Partner pairs.

Mellani, an elementary student who plays two instruments, doubled up on mentors—Rachel on violin and Claudia on cello. Her mother, Brittish, has seen remarkable progress over the past seven months. “Mellani has become so independent,” Brittish said. “Since connecting with her mentors, she holds herself accountable. Morning practice with one instrument, evening with the other—it’s become part of her routine.”

"PING has really boosted her confidence, and we love it!” Brittish added.

PING Partners is modeled after PING!Pals, a support program for elementary students created during the pandemic. Like PING’s middle school Mentoring Program, high school musicians from OPRF volunteer and are matched with students who play the same instrument. What’s different with PING Partners is the flexibility—sessions can be held at mentees’ or mentors’ homes or virtually, and scheduled based on what works best for families. Since these young musicians are just beginning, meetings start at 15 minutes and grow gradually to 30 minutes or more as the beginning musicians gain focus and stamina. The Partners work on instrument care, school music, scales, and more.

The program launched thanks to dedicated community volunteers Amy Guralnick and Divya Variyam. Student Lead Sasha coordinated mentor recruitment, ensuring every interested PING student was matched.

“Ever since she was little, we noticed Mellani loved working with her hands,” Brittish said. “Introducing her to an instrument was a natural step, and she fell in love. She never wants to miss a practice or PING Partner session. We're so grateful she has two mentors who she trusts and connects with.”

Charlie's Story

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 23:48:49 GMT

Makayla's Story

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 22:28:33 GMT

Farewell to 2025 PING Graduates

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 17:58:14 GMT

Hailie's Story

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 22:26:34 GMT

Resilience. Confidence. Passion. All characteristics that Hailie, a high school student, and her grandmother, Hildegard, use to describe the impact PING has had on Hailie, making “her who she is today,” according to Hildegarde.

Alumnus Shares Short and Long-term Effects of PING Participation

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 22:43:06 GMT

Accomplished Student Bassist Volunteers with PING!

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 22:42:44 GMT

Heidi's Story

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 23:24:00 GMT