EYSO to host open house for prospective musicians
On Sunday, March 2, the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra will hold its annual open house for prospective musicians occurring in conjunction with the EYSO Sunday rehearsals, allowing visitors the opportunity to become acquainted with the rehearsal experience.
The open house takes place from 3:30 to 8 p.m. at the Elgin Community College Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.
Visitors to the open house will be able to explore the many opportunities available through EYSO participation, including meeting with current students and parents to learn about their experiences, and talking with staff and conductors who will be present to answer questions. Visitors may respectfully come and go during rehearsal time. Learn about 2014-15 audition dates and requirements, and receive two free tickets to an upcoming concert (March 16 or May 4).
To learn more about the EYSO and the many opportunities for student musicians throughout the Chicago area, visit www.eyso.org, or call the EYSO office at (847) 841-7700.
Participating in the EYSO offers: focused comprehensive learning environment with concert programs created around a central season theme; and performances at venues and locations such as Ravinia, Park West, Scotland, Atlanta; working with conductors/teachers who are committed to the entire musical educational experience. Alumni have studied at internationally recognized institutions and have successful music careers.
The EYSO features Honors Chamber Ensembles, including the Maud Powell String Quartet, Sterling Brass Quintet, and the Hanson String Quartet; the Brass Choir, a large ensemble for brass players; and the Chamber Music Institute: individualized coaching and featured concerts, as well as master classes with renowned artists, such as conductor Keitaro Harada, Midori and Yo-Yo Ma.
Auditions will be held from May 29 to June 1. Students who will begin fourth grade in the fall to college students may audition for a seat in one of the six ensembles. After March 1, applications and audition requirements may be found at www.eyso.org, or by calling the EYSO office at (847) 841-7700
The EYSO is committed to making participation accessible to any qualified student regardless of financial need. Students have opportunities each year to earn part or all of their EYSO tuition. Since the EYSO is an In-Residence Ensemble at the Elgin Community College Arts Center, members who are 16 years of age at the beginning of a concert cycle are eligible to earn college credit while playing in the EYSO.
Current EYSO students are residents of the following communities: Algonquin, Arlington Heights, Aurora, Barrington, Barrington Hills, Bartlett, Batavia, Bloomingdale Burlington, Campton Hills, Carol Stream, Carpentersville, Cary, Chicago, Crystal Lake, Des Plaines, Downers Grove, East Dundee, Elburn, Elgin, Elmhurst, Geneva, Gilberts, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, Hampshire, Hoffman Estates, Inverness, Kingston, La Fox, Lake in the Hills, Lake Zurich, Lombard, Loves Park, Medinah, Montgomery, Naperville, North Aurora, Oswego, Palatine, Pingree Grove, Rolling Meadows, Roscoe, St. Charles, Schaumburg, Sleepy Hollow, South Barrington, South Elgin, Spring Grove, Streamwood, Sycamore, Wayne, West Chicago, West Dundee, Wheaton, Winfield, Woodstock, and Yorkville.