Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra to host open house on Feb. 20

ELGIN – The Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra will host an open house for student musicians from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Elgin Community College Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive.

EYSO has opportunities for instrumentalists in fourth grade through college. Student musicians who have been playing their instruments from two to 12 years can find a place to grow in one of six large ensembles, three small ensembles and more than 20 chamber music groups. For 46 years, EYSO has been preparing students for a lifelong journey of inquiry, creativity and growth.

The open house, held in conjunction with EYSO Sunday rehearsals, allows students and families to become acquainted with the EYSO education and performance experience. Through rigorous methods of inquiry and “expert noticing,” EYSO offers not only unparalleled performance opportunities but also a comprehensive learning environment.

EYSO, one of the premier youth orchestras in the state, was named the 2021 Illinois Youth Orchestra of the Year by the Illinois Council of Orchestras. EYSO has nearly 300 students from 70 communities in Lake, Kane, DuPage, DeKalb, McHenry, Kendall, Will, Cook and LaSalle counties.

Open house registration is suggested, but not required. Drop-ins are welcome. Interested students and families can visit eyso.org/openhouse to register and plan their schedule for the day.

Students who cannot attend the Feb. 20 open house may email office@eyso.org to arrange to visit a rehearsal on another Sunday or attend a second open house scheduled from 3:30 to 7 p.m. April 10 at the Elgin Community College Arts Center.

EYSO is accepting audition applications for the 2022-23 season. Auditions will be May 26-29 at Elgin Community College. Students may explore the audition process, learn about audition requirements and sign up to audition at www.eyso.org/join-eyso.

ESYO continues its 2021-22 concert season with concerts March 13 and May 8. Performances on those dates are at 2, 4:30 and 7 p.m. at the Elgin Community College Arts Center. To purchase tickets visit tickets.elgin.edu or call the box office at 847-622-0300. Livestream tickets will be sold at EYSO.org.