The Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra to host open house for prospective student musicians

The Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra will be hosting an open house at the Elgin Community College Arts Center.

The EYSO auditions for the 2022-23 season are scheduled from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Elgin Community College Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Dr Building H, Elgin.

“We are separate and independent from any school, we are an extension and an additional opportunity and encourage students to participate,” said Executive Director Eric Larson.

According to a news release, the orchestra has nearly 300 students from 70 communities through Kane, DuPage, DeKalb, Lake, McHenry, Kendall, Will, Cook and LaSalle counties.

By participating in EYSO education and performance opportunities, student musicians supplement their school music experience. The program is considered one of the premiere youth orchestras in the state and was named the 2021 Illinois Youth Orchestra of the Year by the Illinois Council of Orchestras, the release stated.

Larson stated in the release that coming to an open house will allow a prospective student and their parents to see what it is like to join the youth symphony orchestra.

“You’ll see what rehearsals are like, where all the learning happens, where the social interaction happens,” he said. “A lot of people get to know us by coming to a concert, but it really doesn’t tell the full story, coming to an open house lets you see what your weekly experience would be like. If music is an important part of your life and you are going to make a commitment to it, you want to know if this group is comfortable for you.”