EYSO open house gives young musicians sneak peek

Before Sunday, Isabella Kistner, 13, had a pretty good idea she wanted to join the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra. After watching part of a rehearsal Sunday during the EYSO's annual open house, there wasn't any doubt in her mind.

Kistner, of St. Charles, has been playing viola for six years and plans to make a career out of music. She plays in Thompson Middle School's honors orchestra and also takes private lessons, but she looks forward to improving under EYSO instruction.

“It will be a great way to challenge myself,” Kistner said.

The eighth-grader was one of dozens to drop in during the five-hour open house, held each year for prospective young musicians. The various ensembles regularly practice on Sundays, giving others the chance to see other performers and directors at work.

Daniel Beder, conductor of the Sinfonia — an intermediate-level full orchestra — said he saw more people come through the open house this year than in the past, which is a good start for the future players.

“Seeing a rehearsal is the best way to know how an orchestra will work,” Beder said.

The open house was where Kari Childs' daughter got her start. Childs, of St. Charles, said she and her daughter Stella, 12, spent time at the rehearsals for several of the ensembles last year, gauging which group would be the best fit. While Childs had heard of the EYSO before, and her daughter's friends recommended it, she appreciated the inside look the open house gave.

“This is the first time to come in and meet the directors and really hear the quality of the music that they perform,” Childs said.

Her younger daughter Trudie, 10, will audition this spring on cello.

Auditions run May 30 to June 3 for musicians ages 9 to 21. Visit eyso.org for details.