The rhythmic beat of a drum echoes in my mind. It’s the pulse of the Lionel Hampton Fine & Performing Arts School.
Welcome to this vibrant hub of creativity in Chicago’s Ashburn neighborhood. This isn’t just any school. It’s a place where the legacy of Lionel Hampton a legendary vibraphonist lives on. Opened in 2000 originally as New Dawes Area Elementary School it was renamed in 2003 to honor the musical giant. The school relieved overcrowding at the nearby Charles R. Dawes Elementary School.
Imagine a school built on a former Chicago Park District site called Thomas Dooley Park. Today that park’s history is interwoven with the school’s. The school’s location between St. Louis Avenue and Homan Avenue on 77th Street is a testament to its roots in the community.
Lionel Hampton Fine & Performing Arts School isn’t just about academics. It’s a place where students explore their artistic talents. They have electives in music computer class and gym. They follow a strict student code of conduct including a uniform. A white collared shirt and navy blue pants are the standard. Except on gym days. Gym days mean sporting the school’s Lionel Hampton T-shirt and red jogging pants.
The school offers half-days approximately every 15-18 school days. It’s a year-round program with breaks. One break is from September 28 to October 13. The school celebrates student achievements with Student of the Month Luncheons. Younger students enjoy a Fun Fair. Older students get to go on field trips to places like the Shedd Aquarium the Field Museum or attend plays.
Extracurricular activities are abundant. There’s academic tutoring art club band basketball board games club book club cheerleading choir dance newspaper photography reading clubs science club Spanish club track and volleyball. The school’s dance team consistently wins first or second place in annual competitions since 2007. The basketball team won their conference in the 2008-2009 school year thanks to Coach Michael Cox.
The energy here at Lionel Hampton Fine & Performing Arts School is infectious. The rhythm of learning the arts and community spirit is a powerful force. It’s a place where young minds are nurtured and dreams are given wings. The legacy of Lionel Hampton resonates. It’s a vibrant melody of education creativity and community.