Two highly acclaimed and accomplished musicians, pianist Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner and violist Stephanie Block will be in town to perform at Barrington’s White House during a special event from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, October 4th. They’re performing to support Music Blocks, a Barrington nonprofit that makes music lessons available to area students that could not otherwise afford them. The organization offers piano/keyboard classes at no charge to students at Barrington 220’s Sunny Hill Elementary School with plans to expand the program to meet demand.
Advance ticket sales have ended but you may still purchase tickets at the door for $125. Music Blocks’ 2nd annual benefit performance will begin at 7 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer. At 7:45 there will be welcome remarks by Music Blocks founder, Mary Anne Block. The featured performances will begin at 8 p.m. with the raffle drawing following the performances at 9 p.m.
Pianist Llewelyn Sanchez-Werner began playing piano at age 2 while growing up in Southern California and gave his first professional concert at 6. At age 14, he became the youngest student to be admitted to The Juilliard School. Named the Gilmore Young Artist honoree for 2014, Sanchez-Werner currently studies at Yale School of Music.
Praised by the Sarasota Observer as “exceptionally talented” and “a virtuosic performer,” violist Stephanie Block has performed as a soloist with several Chicago area symphonies. A 2012 Barrington High School graduate, Block holds master and bachelors degrees from The Juilliard School and is currently a fellow with New World Symphony. Stephanie is also the daughter of Music Blocks founder, Mary Anne Block.
Raffle prizes for the evening include:
- Tickets to the CSO at the Movies series featuring “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”
- Tickets to the Broadway in Chicago series musical, “Dear Evan Hansen”
- A custom cake created for you by Eye Candy
- $100 gift card from Morgan Mehalic Designs for a bespoke hat, purse or piece of jewelry
- Gift cards to local restaurants and more!
Founded by attorney and long-time Barrington piano teacher, Mary Anne Block, Music Blocks launched its inaugural program with 12 students in 2017 at Barrington School District 220’s Sunny Hill Elementary School. They’re expanding the programming this academic school year to include more students.
Mary Anne Block says piano study provides the basic building blocks for successful study of any instrument. “It offers a foundation of music literacy that can foster so many opportunities for students to find their voice and their own community as they enter Middle and High School; offering an easier transition to activities like band, orchestra or choir ensembles,” Mary Anne says.
“At Music Blocks the goal is to give all children, regardless of income level, the ability to discover and pursue with confidence the passion that might drive their academic purpose.”
If you are unable to attend Thursday’s performances but would like to support Music Blocks’ programming, click here to make a donation and learn more about the mission at MusicBlocks.org.
Music Blocks thanks its leading program sponsors including: Kimberly T. Duchossois * Cobey & Erich Struckmeyer * Barrington Bank & Trust * Pamela and David Conroy * Jennifer Bellini and R. Scott Richardson * The Robert and Laurie McMahon Family Fund of the DuPage Foundation * Sound Living
Music Blocks is a non-profit organization based in Barrington, IL whose mission is to provide access to the building blocks of music literacy for youth to strengthen the mind, lift the spirit and foster opportunities for creative expression. Music Blocks successfully launched its inaugural program at Barrington School District 220’s Sunny Hill Elementary School in 2017 and will be expanding its offerings there again this academic school year. Learn more at MusicBlocks.org.
