Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO)
Encyclopedia
Founded in 1976, the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO) is the oldest and largest youth orchestra
program in northwest Illinois
and is composed of three full orchestra
s, two string orchestra
s, a brass choir, and a large Chamber Music
Institute.
(ECC). In 2011, there were over 300 students in the EYSO programs, from 4th grade through college age, coming from more than 65 communities, from as far south as Aurora, Naperville, Orland Park, Oswego, and Yorkville, as far west as Rockford, as far east as Chicago and as far north as Belvidere.
The EYSO is a 501(c)(3) organization registered as a not-for-profit corporation with the State of Illinois.
enriching their lives and those of their families, schools, communities and beyond, through the study and performance of excellent music.
For advanced high school and college-age students, plays standard symphonic repertoire. Studies major works such as Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, Mahler Symphony No. 1, Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2, Revueltas’ Sensemayà, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, the Debussy Nocturnes, Respighi Pines of Rome, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, Bernstein’s On the Waterfront, and many works by contemporary composers.
Philharmonia is a high-intermediate level full orchestra for middle and high school players, performing challenging repertoire, while refining orchestral technique. Recent repertoire includes Beethoven Symphony No. 5, Hanson Symphony No 2 “Romantic,” Chabrier Espana, Bernstein Candide Overture, Copland Billy the Kid, and Capriccio Espagnol of Rimsky-Korsakov.
An intermediate level full orchestra for middle and high school players, introduced in 2010-11, to provide an introduction to the full symphony orchestra for younger or less experienced wind, brass, and string players.
For string players grades 4 - 9, to refine basic orchestral playing skills and string techniques. Prelude Orchestra has commissioned several original works for young string orchestra, including Westward Journey and Jubilee by Carrie Lane Gruselle.
For string players in grades 3 - 8, providing young players with their first orchestral experience, focusing on playing technique, sight-reading, scales, and auditioning skills. Primo members receive more individual attention and mentoring than is usually possible in a large orchestral setting.
A program for brass and percussion players from Youth Symphony and Philharmonia. The Brass Choir performs in all three EYSO season concerts, as well as presenting its own spring concert and masterclass, featuring prominent brass guest artists such as Fulcrum Point New Music Ensemble and the Wisconsin Brass Quintet.
Offers opportunities to perform in trios, quartets, or quintets or other combinations, studying the wealth of music written for chamber ensembles. Players learn independence as soloists within the supportive environment of a small group, under the guidance of professional artist musicians who serve as coaches. Typically about one-third of EYSO students also participate in the CMI.
, the Wisconsin Brass Quintet, Rachel Barton Pine
, the Pro Arte Quartet
, and other world-class coaches, many drawn from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
.
The EYSO Youth Symphony has appeared with Midori, Ted Atkatz and the Chicago band NYCO, the cast of The Jersey Boys, and on NPR’s radio show From the Top. It has also performed at the Ravinia Festival in Chicago and was featured at the 2006 Aberdeen International Festival in Scotland. Members of the EYSO have performed with a wide range of musical artists including Yo Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble, violinist Isabella Lippi, and soprano Kitt Reuter Foss. The EYSO regularly commissions and premieres new works for orchestra by contemporary composers.
Youth orchestra
Youth orchestra may refer to:-Australia:*Adelaide Youth Orchestra*Melbourne String Ensemble*Queensland Youth Orchestras*SBS Radio and Television Youth Orchestra*Sydney Youth Orchestra...
program in northwest Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
and is composed of three full orchestra
Orchestra
An orchestra is a sizable instrumental ensemble that contains sections of string, brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. The term orchestra derives from the Greek ορχήστρα, the name for the area in front of an ancient Greek stage reserved for the Greek chorus...
s, two string orchestra
String orchestra
A string orchestra is an orchestra composed solely or primarily of instruments from the string family. These instruments are the violin, the viola, the cello, the double bass , the piano, the harp, and sometimes percussion...
s, a brass choir, and a large Chamber Music
Chamber music
Chamber music is a form of classical music, written for a small group of instruments which traditionally could be accommodated in a palace chamber. Most broadly, it includes any art music that is performed by a small number of performers with one performer to a part...
Institute.
Background
The EYSO is an in-residence ensemble in the Arts Center at Elgin Community CollegeElgin Community College
Elgin Community College is a U.S. post-secondary educational institution which awards Associate of Arts degrees. It was founded in 1949 as part of Elgin Area School District U46. Community College District #509 was formed 17 years later in 1966, a year after Illinois legislators created the...
(ECC). In 2011, there were over 300 students in the EYSO programs, from 4th grade through college age, coming from more than 65 communities, from as far south as Aurora, Naperville, Orland Park, Oswego, and Yorkville, as far west as Rockford, as far east as Chicago and as far north as Belvidere.
The EYSO is a 501(c)(3) organization registered as a not-for-profit corporation with the State of Illinois.
Mission
The Mission of the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra is to create a community of young musicians,enriching their lives and those of their families, schools, communities and beyond, through the study and performance of excellent music.
Philosophy
The EYSO takes a comprehensive approach to music performance and learning, emphasizing total musicianship, critical thinking, analysis, and personal reflection. Through its annual Fall Camp, year-long curriculum and season theme, and careful repertoire selection, the EYSO challenges students to explore repertoire of the highest quality and significance for its historical connections, compositional devices, social and political significance, and cultural meaning.Youth Symphony
(Randal Swiggum, Conductor)For advanced high school and college-age students, plays standard symphonic repertoire. Studies major works such as Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, Mahler Symphony No. 1, Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2, Revueltas’ Sensemayà, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, the Debussy Nocturnes, Respighi Pines of Rome, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, Bernstein’s On the Waterfront, and many works by contemporary composers.
Philharmonia
(David Anderson, Conductor)Philharmonia is a high-intermediate level full orchestra for middle and high school players, performing challenging repertoire, while refining orchestral technique. Recent repertoire includes Beethoven Symphony No. 5, Hanson Symphony No 2 “Romantic,” Chabrier Espana, Bernstein Candide Overture, Copland Billy the Kid, and Capriccio Espagnol of Rimsky-Korsakov.
Sinfonia
(Daniel Beder, Conductor)An intermediate level full orchestra for middle and high school players, introduced in 2010-11, to provide an introduction to the full symphony orchestra for younger or less experienced wind, brass, and string players.
Prelude Orchestra
(Andy Masters, Conductor)For string players grades 4 - 9, to refine basic orchestral playing skills and string techniques. Prelude Orchestra has commissioned several original works for young string orchestra, including Westward Journey and Jubilee by Carrie Lane Gruselle.
Primo Orchestra
(Beth Mazur Wood, Conductor)For string players in grades 3 - 8, providing young players with their first orchestral experience, focusing on playing technique, sight-reading, scales, and auditioning skills. Primo members receive more individual attention and mentoring than is usually possible in a large orchestral setting.
Brass Choir
(Jason Flaks, Conductor)A program for brass and percussion players from Youth Symphony and Philharmonia. The Brass Choir performs in all three EYSO season concerts, as well as presenting its own spring concert and masterclass, featuring prominent brass guest artists such as Fulcrum Point New Music Ensemble and the Wisconsin Brass Quintet.
Chamber Music Institute
(David Anderson, Director)Offers opportunities to perform in trios, quartets, or quintets or other combinations, studying the wealth of music written for chamber ensembles. Players learn independence as soloists within the supportive environment of a small group, under the guidance of professional artist musicians who serve as coaches. Typically about one-third of EYSO students also participate in the CMI.
Honors Chamber Groups
The Maud Powell String Quartet, Hanson String Quartet and Sterling Brass Quintet are selected by competitive audition as honors groups within the Chamber Music Institute. They work with members of the Pacifica QuartetPacifica Quartet
The Pacifica Quartet is an internationally recognized string quartet based in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, where they are faculty members at the University of Illinois. Its members are: Simin Ganatra, first violin; Sibbi Bernhardsson, second violin; Masumi Per Rostad, viola; and Brandon Vamos,...
, the Wisconsin Brass Quintet, Rachel Barton Pine
Rachel Barton Pine
Rachel Barton Pine is a violinist from Chicago. Considered a child prodigy at the violin, she started playing at the age of 3 and a half. She played at many renowned venues as a child and teenager...
, the Pro Arte Quartet
Pro Arte Quartet
The Pro Arte String Quartet was founded in Belgium in 1912, and transferred permanently to Madison, Wisconsin in 1941. After becoming the Court Quartet to Queen Elizabeth of Belgium, the Pro Arte began the first of many international tours in 1919. Bartok, Milhaud and Honegger entrusted the...
, and other world-class coaches, many drawn from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is an American orchestra based in Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the five American orchestras commonly referred to as the "Big Five". Founded in 1891, the Symphony makes its home at Orchestra Hall in Chicago and plays a summer season at the Ravinia Festival...
.
Performances
The EYSO regular season includes performances by all ensembles in the Blizzard Theatre at Elgin Community College. Chamber Music Institute members present concerts each semester as well as ongoing performances throughout the Chicago area. Through the Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s Masterclass Series, many EYSO members work with guest artists like Alicia Weilerstein, Inon Barnatan, Jaimie Laredo and Jennifer Frautschi.The EYSO Youth Symphony has appeared with Midori, Ted Atkatz and the Chicago band NYCO, the cast of The Jersey Boys, and on NPR’s radio show From the Top. It has also performed at the Ravinia Festival in Chicago and was featured at the 2006 Aberdeen International Festival in Scotland. Members of the EYSO have performed with a wide range of musical artists including Yo Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble, violinist Isabella Lippi, and soprano Kitt Reuter Foss. The EYSO regularly commissions and premieres new works for orchestra by contemporary composers.
Awards
- 2008 Randal Swiggum - Conductor of the Year (Illinois Council of Orchestras - ICO)
- 2007 Youth Orchestra of the Year (ICO)
- 2005 Programming of the Year Award (ICO)
- 2001 City of Elgin Image Award
- 2000 Youth Orchestra of the Year (ICO)
- 2000 Marketing Program of the Year (ICO)
Accomplishments
- 2011 Daniel Boico, Assistant Conductor of the New York Philharmonic (and former EYSO conductor) conducted Philharmonia and Youth Symphony in a week-long residency and concert. Featured works included Chabrier's Espana and Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2.
- 2010 EYSO members accompanied Michael Ingersoll and cast members from Jersey BoysJersey BoysJersey Boys is a jukebox musical with music by Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe and book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. It is a documentary-style musical, based on one of the most successful 1960s rock 'n roll groups, the Four Seasons...
in four performances of “Under the Streetlight”. - 2010 Maud Powell String Quartet featured on Chicago classical music radio WFMTWFMTWFMT is an FM radio station in Chicago, Illinois, featuring a format of fine arts, classical music programming, and shows exploring such genres as folk and jazz). The station is managed by Window To The World Communications, Inc., owner of WTTW, one of Chicago's two Public Broadcasting Service ...
's "Introductions". - 2009 Youth Symphony featured on WFMTWFMTWFMT is an FM radio station in Chicago, Illinois, featuring a format of fine arts, classical music programming, and shows exploring such genres as folk and jazz). The station is managed by Window To The World Communications, Inc., owner of WTTW, one of Chicago's two Public Broadcasting Service ...
's "Introductions". - 2008 Performed with famed international violinist MidoriMidori Gotois a Japanese American violinist. She made her debut at the age of 11 in a last-minute change of programming during a concert highlighting young performers by the New York Philharmonic under Zubin Mehta. When she was 21, she formed the philanthropic group Midori and Friends to help bring music to...
in a 5-day residency program including concerts, master classes, workshops, arts advocacy visits, meals with Q & A sessions, and discussion groups. - 2008 Played with independent Chicago rock band NYCO
- 2007 Youth Symphony members perform with Yo-Yo MaYo-Yo MaYo-Yo Ma is an American cellist, virtuoso, and orchestral composer. He has received multiple Grammy Awards, the National Medal of Arts in 2001 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011...
and the Silk Road Ensemble in Symphony CenterSymphony CenterSymphony Center is a music complex located at 220 South Michigan Avenue in the Loop area of Chicago, Illinois. Home to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Sinfonietta, Symphony Center includes the 2,522-seat Orchestra Hall, which dates from 1904; Buntrock Hall, a rehearsal and... - 2006 Youth Symphony was the featured orchestra at the Aberdeen International Youth FestivalAberdeen International Youth FestivalAberdeen International Youth Festival is a leading Festival of Youth Arts, and one of Scotland's major international cultural events.Every year Aberdeen International Youth Festival attracts over 1000 of the most talented young people in performing arts companies and music groups from across the...
in Scotland. - 2006 Youth Symphony featured on NPRNPRNPR, formerly National Public Radio, is a privately and publicly funded non-profit membership media organization that serves as a national syndicator to a network of 900 public radio stations in the United States. NPR was created in 1970, following congressional passage of the Public Broadcasting...
's From The Top. - 2004 Invited to perform at Ravinia ParkRavinia ParkRavinia Festival is the oldest outdoor music festival in the United States, with a series of outdoor concerts and performances held every summer from June to September. It has been the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra since 1936...
- the first youth orchestra ever to perform at the Ravinia Festival.
Affiliations
- Illinois Council of Orchestras Member
- League of American OrchestrasLeague of American OrchestrasThe League of American Orchestras, known until Fall 2007 as the American Symphony Orchestra League , is an association of U.S. and Canadian orchestras. Over 950 orchestras are members, including youth, community, and professional orchestras....
Member