About
Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras offers Youth Symphony, Philharmonia, Sinfonia, Prelude Orchestra, Primo, Primo Intermezzo, Chamber Music Institute, Flute Choir, Brass Choir, Percussion Ensembles, Starter Strings, and Summer Chamber Music Camp. The program also holds annual auditions for the 2026-27 season and has a June 2027 International Tour from 2027-06-19 to 2027-06-29.
Programs
- Youth Symphony — advanced high school and college musicians · EYSO’s flagship ensemble; unites advanced high school and college musicians for top-tier repertoire, coaching, and performances.
- Philharmonia — advanced middle and high school musicians · Full orchestra for advanced middle and high school musicians, offering challenging music and performance opportunities.
- Sinfonia — intermediate middle and high school musicians · Ensemble for intermediate middle and high school musicians, emphasizing technical growth, ensemble skills, and musicianship.
- Prelude Orchestra — grades 5–9 · For early-intermediate string players in grades 5–9, building technique and independence through diverse repertoire.
- Primo — grades 4–8 · Entry-level string ensemble for grades 4–8, building fundamentals.
- Primo Intermezzo — Invite-only; plays more advanced music.
- Chamber Music Institute — open to all students · Open to all students whether they are in a large ensemble or not; offers small ensembles, weekly coaching, and performances.
- Flute Choir — flutists from Sinfonia, Philharmonia, and beyond · Specialized repertoire focused on tone, technique, and ensemble playing.
- Brass Choir — brass players in Youth Symphony, Philharmonia, and Sinfonia · Focuses on technique, collaboration, and repertoire.
- Percussion Ensembles — percussionists of all levels · Provide technique, repertoire, coaching, and rehearsals to build confidence and orchestral skills.
- Starter Strings — local fourth graders · Tuition-free program bringing violin and viola lessons to local fourth graders.
- Summer Chamber Music Camp — A week-long immersive program where students grow through collaboration, challenge, and a shared love of chamber music, working in small ensembles with expert coaches and guest artists.
At a glance
- Ages: 4–18 years old
- Current session: June 2027 International Tour (Jun 19–Jun 29, 2027)
- General schedule: Annual auditions are held for the 2026-27 season. Summer Chamber Music Camp is week-long. The 2027 tour is 10 days, 7 nights.
About the provider
The mission of the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras 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. The organization has been recognized as Youth Orchestra of the Year in 2000, 2007, and 2021, and received Programming of the Year in 2005, 2015, and 2022. Artistic Director Matthew Sheppard is named, K. Eric Larson is the second Executive Director, and Kathy Matthews was the first Executive Director.
There is a place at EYSO for all students with 2+ years of experience. Auditions typically include a solo piece and/or specific excerpts, scales, and sightreading. Tuition for EYSO ensembles ranges from $500-$1300. Tuition assistance or scholarships are available to anyone who requests it, covering 10% to 100% of tuition. Flexible payment plans of four or six installments are offered. Registration for the 2027 tour is open to all 2026-2027 Youth Symphony students; other musicians and alumni may be invited. The tour registration fee is $5,016.
What families say
“I’ve never had relationships through music as strong as I’ve had them here.” — EYSO Student
“You make so many friends.” — EYSO Student
“It motivates me to do really well.” — EYSO Student
Last updated September 5, 2026.
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