The Performance Closet Year-Round

Introducing Performance Closet Year-Round

Following the success of our annual Performance Closet fundraiser and the enthusiastic response from the music community, we are excited to introduce Performance Closet Year-Round.

The need for performance attire doesn't happen only once a year. Young musicians grow quickly, performance opportunities arise unexpectedly, and families often find themselves searching for recital dresses, concert attire, dress shoes, or other performance essentials throughout the year.

Performance Closet Year-Round extends the spirit of our annual event by creating a simple way for musicians and families to support one another year-round.

Through the program:

Families may submit a donation interest form if they have performance attire they would like to donate or make available to other musicians.
Musicians and families may submit a request form if they are seeking performance attire for an upcoming recital, competition, audition, concerto appearance, or other musical event.
Keys to Connection will do its best to connect available items with requesting families through our community network.
A small collection of frequently requested performance attire and accessories will also be maintained and made available throughout the year whenever possible.

Performance Closet Year-Round also celebrates the spirit of reuse and paying it forward. Many performance outfits carry special memories of recitals, competitions, auditions, and milestone performances. By sharing these items with the next generation of musicians, families help extend their impact while promoting sustainability and reducing waste. A dress, suit, or pair of concert shoes that once helped one young musician take the stage can continue supporting another musician's musical journey.

Our goal is not simply to redistribute clothing, but to help young musicians feel confident, prepared, and supported as they take the stage. We believe that a strong musical community is one in which musicians and families help one another, share resources, and pass opportunities forward.

Performance Closet Year-Round complements our annual Performance Closet fundraiser and helps extend its impact throughout the year. Together, these efforts support accessibility, sustainability, and a culture of generosity within our musical community.

Thank you for helping us keep the spirit of the Performance Closet alive all year long.

If you would like to donate performance wear

Please read more

Step 1. If you are interested in making a donation, please review our policy and procedures here:

Clean and freshly laundered or dry cleaned
In excellent or very good condition
All zippers, buttons, and closures are intact and functional
Free of visible stains, tears, holes, or odors
Appropriate for recitals, concerts, auditions, competitions, or other performances

Simple rule of thumb:

If your young musician would proudly wear it to a performance, we would be happy to consider it.

Please note:

All accepted donations become part of the Performance Closet program and cannot be returned.

Due to limited storage space and varying community needs, Keys to Connection may selectively accept donations based on current inventory priorities and anticipated demand.

Step 2. After reviewing our policies, if you would like to make the donation, please fill out this form.

Step 3. If your donation is accepted, we will contact you for dropping off or mailing instruction.

Thank you for considering a donation to Performance Closet Year-Round! By sharing performance attire, you help support young musicians while promoting sustainability and giving these items a second musical life!

If you would like to request performance wear

Please read more

Step 1. If you are interested in requesting performance wear, please review our policy and procedures here:

Requests are fulfilled based on item availability. Submission of a request does not guarantee that a matching item will be available.
Please submit requests as early as possible before your performance date.
Items received through the program are intended for personal use and may not be resold.
Keys to Connection reserves the right to prioritize requests based on item availability, inventory levels, and community needs.

Suggested contributions:

All contributions will go to the Music Institute of Chicago.

Suggested contribution levels are:

Accessories: $2–$5
Dress shirts, pants, skirts, and concert basics: $5–$10
Dress shoes: $5–$10
Recital dresses, suits, jackets, and similar attire: $10–$20

No family will be turned away due to inability to make a contribution.

Pickup and shipping

At this time, Performance Closet Year-Round primarily serves local families. Local pickup is preferred whenever possible.

If shipping is requested and available, families will be asked to cover the actual shipping cost.

Step 2. After reviewing our policies, if you would like to make a request, please fill out this form.

Step 3. If we find a match to your request, we will contact you for next steps.

Thank you so much for supporting this year-round initiative! Our hope is that every item shared through Performance Closet Year-Round continues its musical journey by helping another young musician feel confident, prepared, and excited to take the stage.