MYAC Named 2019 Youth Orchestra of The Year
Midwest Young Artists Conservatory has been named 2019 Youth Orchestra of the Year by the Illinois Council of Orchestras for excellence in the field of music performance and support of musical organizations.
An awards panel of judges drawn from the Illinois Council of Orchestras Board of Directors and independent professional conductors and musicians reviewed nominations representing orchestras, youth orchestras, and chamber ensembles throughout Illinois. The awards are given to organizations in recognition of their exemplary achievements. This is the 2nd time in the organization's 26 year history that MYAC has won this award.
The Youth Orchestra of the Year award will be presented to Dr. Allan Dennis on Sunday April 28 at MYAC's spring concert at Pick Staiger Concert Hall on the campus of Northwestern University.
MYAC's orchestras and ensembles have partnered with the highest quality of professional educators and performing soloists and global music organizations, such as the Lang Lang Foundation, to offer educational programming and performing opportunities to over 900+ students from over 70 communities in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Some students travel from as far away as Madison, WI weekly to attend MYAC programs.
Highlights of MYAC's growth and development over its 26 years in existence:
The MYAC orchestra program has grown from only 2 orchestras to 9 youth orchestras serving children from elementary school to high school. Its chamber music program has grown from only 8 groups to 65+ chamber groups.
MYAC's nationally renowned Chamber Music Program is unmatched in size and history of receiving top honors and gold medals at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition among other youth chamber music competitions.
Major performing jazz artists visit MYAC each year for "Jazz in January" to provide MYAC jazz students with masterclasses and side by side performances.
The MYAC Choral Program offers 4 vocal groups for ages 5 to teens and has performed in Carnegie Hall and most recently toured Europe.
MYAC's highly successful community outreach program, Young Music Scholars, offers private lessons and appropriate-level ensemble participation to area students with financial need. This program has the added benefit of allowing MYAC's most advanced students to learn leadership skills as they mentor less experienced students under the guidance of professional teachers. Due to the success of the YMS program, it will expand to a jazz division in fall 2019.
Comprehensive offerings include summer music programs in voice, jazz, winds, orchestra, and chamber, monthly master classes with area artist-educators, free music theory classes for enrolled students, composition classes, and national and international tour opportunities.
Two national music competitions are hosted by MYAC: Walgreens National Concerto Competition and the Discover National Chamber Music Competition, offering students the experience of performing for notable musician judges, and the satisfaction of achieving a high-level performance goal. This December, MYAC received over 260 entrants for the Walgreens competition from students in all parts of the country.
MYAC achieved the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Guidestar in 2018, a recognition of the highest level of nonprofit stewardship. In addition, MYAC was awarded the 2018 Top-Rated Nonprofit designation, as determined by Great Nonprofits.
MYAC's classical, jazz, and choral programs serve students from grade school beginners through advanced pre-collegiate performers. Families interested in participating for the 2019-20 season can visit mya.org for placement audition information. For tickets to our events or more information about our programs visit mya.org or call 847-926-9898.
Midwest Young Artists Conservatory has been named 2019 Youth Orchestra of the Year by the Illinois Council of Orchestras for excellence in the field of music performance and support of musical organizations.