Age group

Music Studio

The Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO) was established in 1976 by Robert Hanson, and has been providing enriching and inspiring musical experiences to a wide circle of young musicians ever since. Currently, EYSO is serving almost 400 students from more than 70 different communities. 

Volunteers who are passionate about music and the arts have been instrumental in the success of the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO) since its inception in 1976. Through their dedication and the help of an impressive roster of conductors, the program has grown from a small group of string players to an organization that serves nearly 400 students from over 70 different communities. The EYSO continues to challenge and motivate young musicians to reach their fullest potential through meaningful musical experiences.

Music

Vocal/singing

Playing Instrument

Starter Strings is a completely tuition-free program for students to begin learning violin and viola at their neighborhood school. Launched in 2021 as a pilot program, it now serves more than 70 fourth-grade students in U-46 attending Oakhill and O'Neal Elementary Schools. Recognizing that while music education is meaningful and valuable to everyone, access to high-quality music education is not always even across our communities, EYSO teamed up with schools in July 2020 to begin addressing these challenges. Over the course of the year, wildly ambitious dreams and careful planning came together at Oakhill Elementary to increase access by removing some of the traditional barriers for students: transportation, tuition, and instrument rental.


Starter Strings

Since its beginnings as a small string orchestra in 1976, EYSO has grown to a community of nine large ensembles and nearly thirty chamber music ensembles. 
Very advanced high school and college-age musicians
All orchestral instruments

Ensembles & Orchestras

Coed

Kids

Tweens

Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra

I admire the caliber of play these young players exhibit. A fantastic program.

Cecil P

EYSO is AWESOME! The program they offer is fantastic! My daughter adores participating in EYSO! Over the years, the program has improved her musicianship.

Alesandra K

The opportunity to travel and explore different cultures while playing the violin for the EYSO from middle school through high school was something I will always cherish.