On April 25, 2009, CMAA's Family Literacy Program hosted one Michael Taylor, a musician from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Michael brought with him twelve drums in order to provide approximately forty children with the opportunity to gain some hands-on experience as drummers. Each drum was a different shape and so made a different sounds and beats as the children hit them. The drums are from Michael's personal collection from his travels around the world and many were from Africa. It is clear that the drums were a big hit!

The Family Literacy Program is in a partnership with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra outreach program. This partnership offers three free concerts as well as free transportation to the Family Literacy Club, which hosts the ensemble program. Additionally, it allows the Family Literacy Program to invite musicians to speak to children about various kinds of musical instruments and the importance of music.