Youth symphony director earns prestigious state music award

Randal Swiggum is celebrating his 10th anniversary as music director for the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra, along with the receipt of the prestigious 2008 Illinois Council of Orchestras (ICO) Youth Orchestra/Small Orchestra Conductor of the Year award.

An award ceremony is being held at 7 p.m. today at the ICO Annual Awards presentation at the Merit School of Music in Chicago.

The competition was fierce. The award given for the small-orchestra category includes community orchestras, youth orchestras, and chamber ensembles from the entire state of Illinois.

The EYSO is proud of Swiggum's accomplishments and hopes that the community at large will appreciate the hard work and dedication he has displayed over the years. Swiggum is truly dedicated to both the EYSO and the students who participate in the EYSO programs.

For more information, call (847) 841-7700 or visit the EYSO Web site www.eyso.org.