Our Co-Founder Mika Allison (oboe) moved to Texas to be closer to her family, and to join this wonderful wind quintet that solely performs works by underrepresented composers and works to foster a sense of fellowship with disenfranchised communities.

5th Wave Collective member Akshat Jain (tuba/recording engineer) is a founding member of this fantastic ensemble, founded during the civil rights protests of 2020. CFE performs bars and restaurants, but its primary venues are social justice marches and rallies. Their motto is "Everybody has to be included for us to truly be free."

Like us, Boulanger Initiative is dedicated to uplifting the works of womxn composers. They are located in Washington, D.C., and have so many amazing projects and initiatives you should check out.

Founded in 1997, The Sphinx Organization is a social justice organization dedicated to transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts. In addition to their annual competition, they have an amazing collection of resources, including a directory of Living Black Composers, Job Listings, Musician Databases, and so much more!

In addition to being a phenomenal composer we can't stop performing, Megan is also a beautiful writer. Megan is not afraid to tackle, call out and educate their readers about a wide range of issues, from workplace toxicity to investigative research into topics relevant to the classical music world. Definitely a voice you need to hear.

Founded in 1875, MCW is one of the oldest musical organizations in Chicago, continuously supporting emerging and established women musicians through scholarships and performance opportunities.

A Modern Reveal: Songs and Stories of Women Composers is an online resource dedicated to promoting the vocal works and stories of historical female composers who have been overlooked for centuries.

Founded in 2017, D-Composed is a Chicago-based chamber music experience that honors Black creativity and culture through the music of Black composers. We are honored to have D-Composed members Caitlin Edwards and Kyle Dickson as Collective members.

Protestra is an orchestra of activist musicians dedicated to raising awareness about social justice issues through the lens of classical music. Protestra is also a growing community of musicians who care deeply about the issues that affect our daily lives. 

Equity Arts is a place-keeping project aimed at creating restorative space to advance racial equity while cultivating and preserving the arts from displacement. Equity Arts President is Alma Wieser, who also runs Heaven Gallery! 

Heaven Gallery is a non-profit and multi-disciplinary arts space in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood that presents emerging artists and musicians. Heaven has been like a second home to 5th Wave, hosting us countless times!