Marimba Ensemble


Marimba music fills a South Side church and creates opportunities for young musicians. We have the story on Chicago Tonight at 7:00 pm.

The Holy Cross – Immaculate Heart of Mary Marimba Ensemble was founded in 1991 by Father Bruce Wellems, and is made up entirely of youth, ages 12-21, from the Back of the Yards neighborhood. The Ensemble has been a sound of neighborhood hope for more than 18 years performing at Holy Cross Church every Sunday at the 10:30 am Mass, accompanying a large Children’s Choir. The Ensemble also performs throughout the City of Chicago and around the country.

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More than 40 marimba players participate in the mission to bring music to hundreds of people. Each player also lives a special story. The parish youth program is committed to the education and musical development of the children who perform. Working with parents and mentors, the program today inspires mission, music and a whole lot of people who want to support the dreams of the children who perform.

On Dec. 19, 2011, The Holy Cross/IHM Marimba Ensemble performed Feliz Navidad in the lobby of Chicago's City Hall as part of the City Hall Holiday Concert Series. Watch the performance in the video below.

For more on the Marimba Ensemble, check out the photo gallery and audio files below.

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Audio Attachments: