Youth symphony honors educator Rita Borkowski
On Sunday, May 4, the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra continues its annual tradition of honoring educators who have dedicated themselves to music education for young people.
This year's winner is Rita Borkowski.
The EYSO established the Music Educator of the Year Award in 1980. The award acknowledges local music teachers who have made a meaningful contribution to music education in the Elgin area, or have supported the EYSO organization in a meaningful way.
Borkowski has done both remarkably. Past recipients include: Jean Grotberg, 2007; Stephen Orland, 2006; Linda Duneske, 2005; Eric Kaiser, 2004; Jean Hove, 2003; and Ray Ostwald, 2002.
Borkowski is well-known among music educators in the Fox Valley area -- and especially among the hundreds of young musicians and their grateful parents in whom she has instilled a passion and joy for making music. Borkowski has taught third, fourth, and fifth grade orchestra at Munhall and Fox Ridge schools in St. Charles for the last 15 years.
She has maintained a private studio teaching violin and viola in Geneva for the last 24 years.
In 1995, she began an after school string program in Geneva, together with Linda Duneske and Simonne Tingley. The program was a success and two years later the orchestra program in the Geneva schools was reinstated and is thriving today. The rosters of all three EYSO orchestras are filled with dozens of Borkowski's current and former students.
Borkowski has incredible enthusiasm for her students and music.
"I truly value the encouragement and support from my music colleagues in this district, especially when it comes to putting on events like our annual Fiddle Fest, which encourages kids, families and community members to come and make music together," Borkowski said.
Borkowski grew up in Chicago, where her parents nurtured in her a love for music. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in music education from DePaul University in 1982. She studied viola with Herbert Silberstein and Milton Preves.
Borkowski lives in Geneva with her husband, Leon, an artist and classical guitarist. Both their daughters are also musicians: Mara, 23, plays piano, and EYSO alum Ariel, 18, plays cello.
"Mrs. Borkowski's tangible passion for music was too contagious to ignore, and I had no chance but to become a music lover for life after working with her," said EYSO alumnus Grant Jacobsen, now a teacher himself.
"Her patience was boundless, especially with a fumbling adolescent like me. There was nothing but words of encouragement from Mrs. Borkowski during each of my Saturday morning lessons as she would continue to challenge me with music I never thought I would be able to play, but eventually would. Mrs. Borkowski had a special ability to cultivate talent; somehow she new it was there even though I had no clue."
"We are always glad when Rita's students audition for the EYSO -- they are always super motivated and passionate kids who enrich the orchestra," said EYSO Music Director Randal Swiggum.
Tickets for the concert are $19, $12 seniors and $10 students. Tickets can be purchased at the ECC box office in the Arts Center, by phone (847) 622-0300, or online at www.elgin.edu/arts. Box office hours are noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday: and noon to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets also can be purchased the day of the event. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and cash are accepted for payment.