PING (Providing Instruments for the Next Generation) believes all students deserve access to instrumental music education. But with instrument rentals averaging more than $50 per month, many students would miss out. For more than 25 years, PING has provided band and orchestra instruments to students who benefit from support in the Oak Park and River Forest public schools—and so much more.
“To offer true equity to young musicians, we go beyond instruments to provide mentoring, and access to private lessons, music camps, concert tickets, and trips – opportunities that help students grow,” said PING Executive Director Michelle Dybal.
This year, PING expanded programming to better support musicians at every stage. PING has evolved its mentoring programs, PING Partners (for 4th and 5th graders) and NextNote (for 6th-8th graders). Both connect volunteer mentors from Oak Park and River Forest High School with younger PING musicians who play the same instruments. Through flexible, weekly meetings younger musicians receive encouragement with practice and instrument care, build confidence, and develop relationships with positive role models who understand their musical journey. An experienced Mentoring Leadership Team guides the mentors and supports this programming. (Part of the 2026-27 Team is pictured here.).
PING also arranges and pays for private lessons, quadrupling the number served starting this year, and helps students attend summer music camps. These experiences strengthen skills, allow students to explore their potential, and be on equal footing with their musician peers at school.
Community support makes these opportunities possible. PING relies primarily on individual donations and receives no monetary support from the three school districts it serves: Oak Park District 97, River Forest District 90, and Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200.
This Season of Giving, support young musicians! Learn more, donate, or pass on an instrument at www.pingoprf.org/get-involved.