Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras

The Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO) attracts a national reputation for providing an engaging musical experience for its students in a comprehensive learning environment which promotes curiosity, imagination, critical thinking, and collaboration. With eight large ensembles and a thriving Chamber Music Institute, EYSO auditions record numbers of students each year in addition to the hundreds of musicians who already enjoy its rigorous methods of inquiry and “expert noticing.”

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Matthew Sheppard, a leader in music education, students explore a comprehensive curriculum each season—one which helps students develop artistically and technically while preparing them for a future of complex ideas, creative risk-taking, and leadership as global citizens. The dynamic and engaging rehearsals foster musical and personal growth as students develop into well-rounded and thoughtful communicators, and leaders in their ensembles, schools, and communities.