EYSO ninth annual Faculty Recital energizes students, parents and staff

Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra kicked off the second semester of its 2019-20 season Jan. 5 with its ninth annual EYSO Faculty Recital. While originally intended as a way for students and parents to see their conductors in action, the recital has grown to become an EYSO tradition and a unique opportunity for students and families interested in considering the EYSO experience.

"The joy and enthusiasm shared by our staff members through this recital is infectious and a great way to start the new year," said Artistic Director Matthew Sheppard. "More importantly, students see their teachers, coaches, conductors, and EYSO staff members collaborating as a team, reinforcing the EYSO values of building community in and through music."

The faculty recital reflects the mission of EYSO to create a community of young musicians, enriching their lives and the lives of their families, schools, communities and beyond, through the study and performance of excellent music.

"From a Bach violin concerto performed on the marimba by Percussion Director Zachary Bowers to music performed not with traditional instruments but with clapping hands, our instructors perform a wide range of pieces that showcase their interests, curiosity, and ongoing desire to learn and grow as musicians and people," said Sheppard.

EYSO serves nearly 400 students each year from 70 Chicagoland communities and has a national reputation for providing students with an engaging musical experience and a comprehensive learning environment of curiosity, imagination, critical thinking, and collaboration. Students explore a thematic curriculum each season - one which helps students develop artistically and technically, and prepare them for a future of complex ideas, creative risk-taking, and leadership as global citizens. This approach has led hundreds of alumni to successful careers as professional musicians, educators, and strong leaders in every field.

The 2019-20 season theme is titled MOVE and explores the rich traditions of Dalcroze, ballet, and folk dance. Collaborations in 2020 include work with Elgin's acclaimed Ballet Folklorico Huehuecoyotl (BFH) as well as Joffrey Ballet artist Luis Vazquez. To learn more about EYSO, visit https://www.eyso.org or call (847) 841-7700.