Ensembles
Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestras offers a variety of orchestra education experiences for youth. ISYO offers five levels of youth orchestras. Students with no prior musical background can begin in Starter Strings as early as third grade. Participation in the program culminates with Youth Orchestra's premiere ensemble the Symphony Orchestra.
Ensemble Levels
Starter Strings | Junior Strings
Preparatory Orchestra | Concert Orchestra | Symphony Orchestra | Chamber Music Program
Starter Strings
The Starter Strings is our beginning string ensemble. In small group classes, students are introduced to a string instrument of their choice (violin, viola, or cello). Lessons are held at several sites throughout the Springfield area including schools, churches, and performing arts locations. Starter Strings classes meet before school, after school, and in the evening. Using the Essential Elements for Strings: Book 1, the focus is on foundational techniques.
Auditions are not required to join Starter Strings. Tuition is $200* and covers approximately 30 weeks of 1-hour group lessons.
Junior Strings
The Junior Strings is a string orchestra where members are presently learning and mastering the skills presented in Sound Innovations for String Orchestra: Book 1. Junior Strings members are encouraged to take private lessons in collaboration with their ensemble training and are expected to spend time practicing their instrument on a daily basis. Ensemble skills will be developed, in addition to proper string technique and high-quality repertoire.
Auditions are required for students who have not completed Starter Strings. Tuition is $250* and covers approximately 30 weeks of 1-hour group lessons and rehearsals.
Preparatory Orchestra
The Preparatory Orchestra is a string orchestra for musicians who have mastered all the skills presented in Sound Innovations for String Orchestra: Book 1 or Essential Elements for Strings: Book 1. Preparatory Orchestra members are encouraged to take private lessons and are expected to spend time practicing their instrument on a daily basis. Ensemble skills will be developed, in addition to proper string technique through a level 2 method book and high-quality repertoire.
Auditions are required for admittance into Preparatory Orchestra. Tuition is $250* and covers approximately 30 weeks of 1.5-hour orchestra rehearsals.
Concert Orchestra
The Concert Orchestra is a full orchestra comprised of strings, winds, percussion, piano, and harp. Current ISYO students should have mastered all the skills presented for their instrument in the Sound Innovations for String Orchestra or Concert Band: Book 2 or Essential Elements for Strings or Band: Book 2. Concert Orchestra members are encouraged to take private lessons and are expected to spend time practicing their instrument on a daily basis. New ensemble and technical skills will be developed through a level 3 method book and high-quality repertoire.
Auditions are required for admittance into Concert Orchestra. Tuition is $300* and covers approximately 30 weeks of 1.5-hour orchestra rehearsals.
Symphony Orchestra
The Symphony Orchestra is a full orchestra comprised of strings, winds, percussion, piano, and harp. Members will perform a diverse cross-section of orchestral repertoire. Symphony Orchestra members are encouraged to take private lessons and expected to spend time practicing their instrument on a daily basis. Ensemble skills and advanced techniques will be a priority for this ensemble while encouraging artistic expression through a variety of performance opportunities.
Auditions are required for admittance into the Symphony Orchestra. Tuition is $350* and covers approximately 30 weeks of 2.5-hour orchestra rehearsals.
Chamber Music Program
The ISYO Chamber Music program is an opportunity for ISYO members to develop their musical leadership and autonomy, explore the chamber music repertoire, interact closely with professional musicians, and build lasting friendships. The program includes coachings with Illinois Symphony Orchestra musicians and ISYO Conductor Jacobsen Woollen, two annual chamber music showcase concerts, and unique community performance opportunities. Those interested may register with a pre-formed group or as an individual. Those registered as individuals will be assigned to an ensemble. ISYO musicians are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this exciting new opportunity!
The Chamber Music program is an additional program available to current ISYO musicians in Concert or Symphony Orchestra. No audition is needed to register for this program. Tuition is $100* and covers professional musician coachings, conductor oversight, and performances.
* Applicable fees may apply when paying by credit card.