Peer honor sweetens an EYSO anniversary
The Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra's Music Director Randal Swiggum recently marked his 10th year with the organization.
But last Friday night, Swiggum was slated to mark a first: the 2008 Youth Orchestra Conductor of the Year from the Illinois Council of Orchestras.
Swiggum, who lives in Wisconsin, said last week that the award belongs to the entire orchestra family.
"Music directors are only as good as the organizations they work with," he said.
"I've been really privileged to serve an amazing orchestra, with fantastic players, families, conducting colleagues and staff -- all led by the best executive director around, Kathy Matthews. I'm really honored by this award from peers -- it's something all of us in the EYSO share."
The award process began in December when EYSO filed an application on Swiggum's behalf.
The application included a review of Swiggum's accomplishments; a DVD of him describing the philosophy of the EYSO; a recording of one of his concerts; several letters of support from colleagues and unsolicited e-mails of praise from both parents and students.
"I consider Randal Swiggum to be one of the finest conductors I've known," said Robert Hanson, music director for the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. "He is a great musician, a great educator, a wonderfully unique human being and an asset to Elgin, as well as the State of Illinois."
The EYSO, an in-residence ensemble in the Arts Center at Elgin Community College, is home to five orchestras with nearly 300 students from more than 60 communities. It started in 1976.
For information, call (847) 841-7700 or visit www.eyso.org.
Annual rose event arrives
Roses are red, violets are blue.
Work with the Lions Club and help an Elginite near you.
The Elgin Lions Club will hold its 24th annual Rose Day next month.
Did you mess up Valentines Day? Want to say "I love you" just because?
Order now and the club will hook you up with a dozen long-stemmed roses for just $15.
Delivery will be March 19-21 for "Brighten Someone's Day."
Last year, the program raised about $8,000 for glasses for adults and children, as well as diabetes research and prevention.
Rose Day Chairman Bruce Williamson said the club chose March because it's between Mother's Day and Valentines Day.
"We found that to be the best time," he said, adding the club sold 550 dozen roses last year and expects to sell at least 600 this year. "We keep the money in the Elgin community."
The roses are flown here shortly before they are to be delivered by Lions Club members to recipients in Elgin, South Elgin, East Dundee, West Dundee, Sleepy Hollow, Gilberts, Carpentersville and U-46 schools.
The deadline to order is March 13.
For details, call (847) 289-4206 and leave your name, telephone number and what date you wish to have flowers delivered. A Lions Club member will call back.