In the land of Illinois, sandwiched between the dazzling city of Chicago and the mighty Mississippi River, live some of the most talented, toe-tapping, trumpet-tooting kids you've ever seen! This isn't your ordinary state, oh no! This is a state where music doesn't just happen, it leaps into life with a swing and a smile! Our story begins with a cool character named Jazzy Joe. Jazzy Joe isn't your typical Illinoisan. He's a walking, talking saxophone with the sleekest silver body, a pair of hip sunglasses, and the biggest, brassiest laugh you've ever heard. He's the state's unofficial music mascot, moving from town to town, inspiring kids to take up musical activities. He loves nothing more than the sound of kids making music! The kids in Illinois are spectacular! They're not just blowing hot air into their instruments; they're breathing life into them! They can make a violin sing the sweetest melodies, a drum beat the happiest rhythm, and a piano dance to the most cheery tunes. Every day, from Rockford to Carbondale, the kids gather in school bands, garage rock groups, and even atop the tallest of haystacks, to make the most magical, musical sounds! They strum, they beat, they pick, they blow – creating a symphony of joy that echos across the state. And Jazzy Joe? He's there, too, striding through the cornfields, shimmying through the cities, with the proud, booming laugh for every brave child who picks up an instrument and plays their heart out. So, if you ever find yourself in Illinois, listen out for the enchanting music filling the air, and you just might spot Jazzy Joe, the state’s coolest, jazziest music mentor!
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The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace. From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries. At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.
Kidder Music Service, Inc. has been helping Central Illinois parents and children make beautiful music together for over 45 years. Our mission is to support music education in the schools and communities of Central Illinois by providing parents with quality instruments, sheet music, accessories, and top-notch repair service. We are proud to have earned a reputation as a leader in the music industry, both locally and nationally. At Kidder Music Service, Inc., we are dedicated to helping Central Illinois families create beautiful music that will last a lifetime. Our commitment to fostering music education in the schools and communities of Central Illinois means providing parents with quality instruments, sheet music, accessories, and repair services to ensure that their music-making experience is the best it can be. We are proud of our reputation as a leader in the music industry, both locally and nationally, and we look forward to continuing that legacy for many years to come. From the moment Kidder Music Service, Inc. opened its doors in 1974, it has been our mission to encourage music education in the schools and communities of Central Illinois. We are proud to have provided parents with quality instruments, sheet music, accessories, and top-quality repair services, all backed by our commitment to excellence. This dedication to providing the best products and services has earned us a reputation as a leader in the music industry, both locally and nationally. We look forward to continuing this legacy for many years to come.