On Friday, May 5, renowned local TikTok historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas partnered with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to put on two interactive concerts for over 4,000 students from Chicago Public Schools.  

With the orchestra led by guest conductor Scott Speck — music director of the Joffrey Ballet and conductor of the Chicago Philharmonic — Dilla took students on an exciting musical tour of the city. As the influencer introduced each local neighborhood or Chicago staple with educational background, the symphony performed a piece to match the sounds of those places.

Modern master storyteller Dilla was named the 2022 Chicago Tourism Ambassador of the Year by the city’s tourism agency, Choose Chicago, and was the perfect candidate to engage kids in conversation about both the city and classical music. Students were encouraged to add musical accompaniment – when instructed – in the form of handclapping and mimic the motion of riding aboard the city’s train.

A fourth-grade special education teacher from McPherson Elementary commented on the experience saying, “Getting these kids to sit down and listen to classical music and even modern music is something they don’t get a chance to do very often, especially kids with behavioral issues. We were just moved by this performance.” 

Take a look at the tour that was given of the Windy City – and for a more interactive experience, be sure to listen to each piece!

“Downtown Sounds” Tour Recap and Playlist

Welcome to the City of Big Shoulders: The Chicago skyline 

• Sprach Zarathustra by Richard Strauss

Riding the CTA’s “L” train

• Le Métro by Jacques Ibert

Riding a water taxi down the Chicago River

• The River by Duke Ellington

The neighborhood of Chinatown

• Dance of the Golden Snake by Nie Er

 The neighborhood of Pilsen

• Danzón No. 2 by Arturo Márquez

The neighborhood of Bronzeville

• Symphony No. 1 III. Juba Dance by Florence Price

Millennium Park 

• Fountains of Rome II. Triton Fountain by Ottorino Respighi

Buckingham Fountain

• Fountains of Rome III. Fountain of Trevi by Ottorino Respighi

Lake Michigan

• Lake by Duke Ellington

Navy Pier

• 1812 Overture by Piotr Tchaikovsky

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