The People's Music School
Simon Gomez Gallego is an accomplished percussionist with extensive experience in various orchestras and music education roles. Currently, Simon serves as a percussionist with the Chicago Philharmonic and principal timpanist for both the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, in addition to positions at the Rockford Symphony Orchestra and as interim camp director at Tennis On The Lake. Simon has been actively involved in music education as a percussion instructor at The People's Music School and previously at El Sistema Ravinia. Academic credentials include a Post-Master's Certificate in Percussion Performance and a Master of Music in Music Performance from the University of Miami, complemented by a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance also from the same institution. Experience as a freelance percussionist has further enriched Simon's diverse musical portfolio.
The People's Music School
The People's Music School is the only completely tuition-free music school in Chicago, and the oldest in the United States. The school was founded in 1976 by Dr. Rita Simó, an accomplished pianist from the Dominican Republic who believed that all children should have access to music education, regardless of their family's socioeconomic status. Today we serve over 1,600 students in the Chicagoland metropolitan area and beyond. Through intensive instruction and performance our students learn more than music. They grow socially, emotionally and intellectually, and develop a foundation of responsibility, self-esteem and purpose. We believe music is transformative and empowers the lives of youth, families and communities.