Songs with soulful lyrics, syncopated beats and sentimental strings filled the room with more than music. The wooden archways of the historic church were also filled with stories of those who have lost their lives to gun violence.

Family and friends gathered on Feb. 16 at the Notes for Peace Reunion at the Epiphany Center for the Arts, a shuttered place of worship on Chicago’s near West Side that has become a cultural hub. The event featured some of the original members of the Notes for Peace project, who shared songs they helped write about their departed loved ones. At the front of the room, a small orchestra with several singers took to the stage.

“August 4th, forever your day. Heavenly angels, let us pray. I know you’re at peace, what would I do? I’d give my life, I’m lost without you,” one singer sang.

Notes for Peace is a collective program between several groups and partnerships. The project was propelled by acclaimed Cellist Yo-Yo Ma, who served as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s creative consultant from 2009 through 2019. Families from Purpose Over Pain work with songwriters and musicians from the Negaunee Music Institute at the CSO and the Irene Taylor Trust.

Together, the families and musicians write a song to honor what the group calls “their angels.” Sara Lee, the artistic director at the Irene Taylor Trust, spoke about the songwriting process that preceded the event.

“It is a real collaborative effort,” Lee said. “We sit with the families for the first time, and we just ask them to talk … about their family member they have lost.”

Lee said the musicians and composers write the music and work in each unique personality trait of those who have died.

“We don’t want to make it generic,” Lee said. “We speak to the family and say, ‘Look, what absolutely has to go into this song to make it personal?’”

Adrienne Swanigan-Williams knew exactly what had to be included in the song dedicated to her son, Tremayne Henderson, which she called “My Different Child.”

“Tremayne was number four of six …. He was my different child, so that is why I named my song,” Swanigan-Williams said. “He did not smile in pictures, only senior year.” She included that detail in the song.

As each song was introduced, a family member placed a picture of their loved one at the front of the room or took to the stage themselves. During some of the songs, mothers came forward to talk about those they have lost. Between tears, the audience encouraged the performers by yelling “Yes” and clapping to the beat.

Violinist Marian Mayuga from the Negaunee Music Institute said she must balance her emotions while performing.

“There was one song in particular — I was literally about to cry … ‘My Golden Child,’” Mayuga said. “I would try to just focus on what I am doing … but it does not make the impact of it any less.”

The cellist on the project, J Holzen, agreed with that sentiment.

“Here is when I need to play a bass line and lay it down … and here is when I can let my heart sing out a little bit more,” Holzen said.

While Holzen and Mayuga played the instruments for Notes for Peace, they also helped compose songs with families. Although it was not performed at this event, Holzen and Mayuga said one of the best experiences was writing “El Nene de Momma” in remembrance of Isaiah Noel Rodriguez, who passed away in 2023.

“That was a really beautiful experience to share together … and to really be there for each other emotionally,” Holzen said. “It is completely different when the music you are making is custom-made to the situation.”

The February event ended with a standing ovation for the musicians as the room slowly melted into hugs, catching up and words of support. Anyone can listen to the songs at any time in the “Tributes” section of the Notes for Peace website.

Swanigan-Williams, from Purpose over Pain, said that being a part of this project is empowering.

“It feels good because you can express yourself,” Swanigan-Williams said. “Things that you were holding inside — you can let them out through the song.”

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