Local Band Opportunities

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New Horizons Music

New Horizons Website Link

The New Horizons DuPage organization is the DuPage County  & Chicago West Suburban chapter of the New Horizons International Music Association. New Horizons DuPage performs a Winter and Spring concert each season, as well as  "run-out" concerts at various assemblies, festivals, schools, senior residence communities and parades. In "The Year of the Covid", the annual spring concert is pushed back to a "Welcome Summer" concert, June 27th at 3:00pm.New Horizons DuPage has performed for the Illinois Music Educators State conference, DePaul University, Community Music Day, Make Music Chicago, Western Suburban Irish Parade, Friends of the Fourth Warrenville Parade, Misericordia Heart of Mercy, Relay for Life, and 9/11 Day of Remembrance.

How to Get Involved

 To join New Horizons Band DuPage, email or call for information; register for classes through the Naperville Park District; or bring your instrument to a rehearsal and join in. Links to all social media are provided on the website under "contact/venues"

 New Horizons FAQ

Q - What is your rehearsal schedule?
A - The full band meets Mondays from 5:30 to 7:00 at the Naperville Community Concert Center. There are three sessions during the year: Fall Session, Spring Session, and a short Summer Session . Provisions have been made to continue hybrid virtual rehearsals for members who are unable to attend in-person.

Q - I can't play a note. / I'm actually an accomplished musician. Is New Horizons DuPage right for me?
A - New Horizons DuPage welcomes all musicians. There are no audition requirements. For those who are new to music, taking up a new instrument, or have been away from their instrument for a long time, the beginner band is a great place to start. As your proficiency increases you can try various ensembles. For accomplished musicians, we have a seat waiting for you.

Q - Is New Horizons DuPage only for seniors?
A - The New Horizons concept, developed by founder Dr. Roy Ernst, is to create opportunities for musical education and expression by older adults. Most of the members of New Horizons DuPage are "mature" musicians. However, we have members who range in age from middle school to some in their ninth decade. We believe music keeps all of us young at heart. ~ It's never too late (or too early) to toot your own horn!

Q - How is New Horizons DuPage organized?
A - New Horizons DuPage is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. An elected Board of Directors manages the business end of things. Our Founding Director Maryann Flock conducts the ensembles and teaches the beginner classes.

Q - How much does this cost?
A - For 2020-21, tuition is $125 per each for the Fall and Spring Session . The abbreviated Summer session is $40. Participation in any one of the ensembles is an additional $5-10 per session. There is an overall $135 cap on tuition.

Q - I  have more questions. Who can I talk to?
A - Contact New Horizons DuPage at [email protected]

 

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Naperville Municipal Band

Band Website Link

The Naperville Municipal Band has been entertaining the people of Naperville and the surrounding suburbs, in Central Park for over 150 years. The band has grown from a group of dedicated musicians whose vision brought them together in 1859 to its current 100 member roster. The band has played through storms (both literal and political,) marched under the blazing sun in coutless parades, and provided thousands of hours of entertainment to a grateful public. It has undergone five name changes and raised money for four different band shells, twelve sets of uniforms, benches, music, and guest performers. Its ups and downs are interwoven with the history of the city and the country.

 

A typical Thursday night in the summer finds Central Park in Naperville packed with fans of all ages: babies, children, teens, middle-agers and octogenarians.  They sit on benches, blankets, and folding chairs. Some have come early to enjoy a picnic supper; others munch on scrumptious homemade goodies prepared by whatever charitable organization has won the coveted lottery spot for the week. Children bounce up and down in time to the music, dogs snooze next to their owners, couples hold hands, and white heads lean together, remembering other concerts, other nights. The audience smiles, taps, claps and sings along. Everyone enjoys the good old fashioned fun!

 

How to Get Involved

 

If you would like an audition, then please email the band at [email protected] with your name, instrument and background information.  Once you have completed your audition, you must complete one full year of rehearsals/performances (ending with the summer season)  with an 80% attendance rating to be considered for membership or you may be placed on a waiting list if there are no openings. 

 

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Youth Symphony of DuPage

 

YSDP Website Link

 

Youth Symphony of DuPage (YSDP) is dedicated to bringing advanced ensemble training and performance opportunities to over 160 talented young musicians from throughout DuPage County and nearby towns. Our Concert Orchestra members are primarily advanced grade-school, junior-high, and high school age musicians. The Symphony Orchestra members are primarily junior-high and high school instrumentalists. YSDP is a unique opportunity for musicians to tackle great music and achieve musical excellence.

Our concert repertoires are drawn from the standard classical literature to advanced works. Ensemble opportunities are available for our members to showcase their talents in smaller groups with performances at concerts and throughout the area.

Youth Symphony of DuPage offers an annual solo Concerto Competition giving the members of orchestras the opportunity to master concertos and solo performance. The winners perform their concertos at our our subsequent concerts.

Our concerts bring the drama and pleasure of fine music to people of all ages.  Young people in our audience get to experience orchestral music first-hand – performed by their peers. The Youth Symphony of DuPage often features professional soloists at one, or more, of our concerts to inspire our young musicians and musical appreciation for our audience.

Link to YSDP FAQ

How to Get Involved

Youth Symphony of DuPage (YSDP) welcomes new musicians of advanced grade school through high school to audition for our Sinfonietta Strings, Philharmonia Strings, Concert Orchestra, and Symphony Orchestras.

Audition registrations for the new performance season 2022-2023 that starts in the fall are open to all musicians, with special consideration for talented wind, brass, and percussion musicians. Now is a great time. Click HERE to register to audition or see more information below.

For the current performance Season, 2021-2022 – while the audition registrations for the current season that is in progress have been closed, the registration is open to those who have private teachers’ recommendations to audition or obtained one of the YSDP music directors’ permission to audition. You can click  HERE to register to audition.

 

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American Youth Symphony Orchestra

AYSO Website Link

The American Youth Symphony Orchestra (AYSO) is a new youth orchestra program housed at American Music Institute in Clarendon Hills. AMI’s Clarendon Hills campus is located 20 miles west of downtown Chicago.

Join the exciting line up of performances and other programs at AYSO! All interested young musicians ages 7-18 should apply soon to ensure placement, as space is limited. 

Our mission is to provide professional leadership and experience to talented young musicians. This inspiration can enable them to expand their musical horizons and enables them to perform to the best of their ability. Allowing young artists to expand their imagination by nurturing a love of music is key to their development and success. 

How to Get Involved

AYSO offers several ways to get involved in their program. All of which can be found on their register page.

 

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Evanston Symphony Orchestra

Evanston Symphony Orchestra Website Link

The Evanston Symphony Orchestra uses the power of music to lift the human spirit. We engage and enrich the community by coming together to perform, inspire and educate. In keeping with its mission, the Evanston Symphony Orchestra welcomes ALL people from the Evanston, North Shore and surrounding communities by playing and presenting the world’s greatest music by and for everyone: From preschool music education for the underserved to adult music education, from a holiday event for all to music presentations for seniors, but most of all through the performance of great music by artistically-outstanding volunteer musicians from the community, ESO is a unique artistic resource with a focus always on excellence.

Goals

To provide local, convenient and affordable opportunities for community members of all ages to hear fine classical music from locally, nationally and internationally renowned artists.

 

• 4 season concerts and one holiday benefit concert performed with diverse programming, good soloists, accessible location and quality performance.
• Contracted performances as requested.
• Ticket prices are reasonable compared to other arts performances in the area.
  

To provide an outlet for the musical talents of people who reside in Evanston and surrounding communities. To provide programs specifically for youth and older adults to attend and enjoy our concerts.

 

• ‘Kidnotes’ – special program notes for younger audience members.
• Music In Your World – a music program for Head Start children to introduce music in an engaging, structured program
• Free pre-concert lectures, Musical Insights, and recitals.

Maintain current financial strength through effective marketing, public relations and fundraising efforts.

How to Get Involved

 

 We rehearse every Tuesday evening at Evanston Township High School, 1600 Dodge Ave., from 7:30–10:00 pm, from early September until the last concert date. We hold dress rehearsals on the Saturday afternoon before each concert. We present 4 series concerts each season as well as a Holiday concert. Auditions are required to join the ESO.

There are often openings in the string and percussion sections. We fill openings in winds and brass sections as needed. All spots are filled by audition. If you're interested in auditioning to join our orchestra, please send your name, address, phone number and e-mail address, instrument and a brief description of your playing history to the appropriate personnel manager, who will get back to you.

For strings auditions contact Paula Fischer via email at [email protected] or by phone at (847) 679-3898.

For winds, brass and percussion, as well as for Chorus members for the Evanston Symphony Holiday concerts, contact Cathy Carr via email at [email protected] or by phone at (847) 328-6303.

 

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Elgin Symphony Orchestra

 

 

Elgin Symphony Orchestra Website

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra is one of the preeminent regional orchestras in the United States. Since its founding in 1950, the organization has developed a reputation for artistic excellence, innovative programming, and a deep commitment to the social advocacy and economic development of the diverse communities that it serves.

 

Named “Orchestra of the Year” an unprecedented four times by the Illinois Council of Orchestras, (1988, 1999, 2005 and 2016) and winner of a 2010 Elgin Image Award, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra is respected for exceptional performance, innovative education programs, and community outreach initiatives.

 

How to Get Involved

 

The ESO is now accepting applications for internships for the 2022 summer season. To apply, please send a resume to [email protected] no later than April 30, 2022.

 

If you are interested in joining the Volunteer Program for the 2021-22 season, please complete the 3-page application below.  Applications are accepted year-round.

Click here to view Volunteer Application

Please submit the completed application to the Elgin Symphony Orchestra administrative office

Mail: Elgin Symphony Orchestra, 20 DuPage Court, Elgin, IL  60120

Email: [email protected]

Fax: 847-888-0400

 

Link to Elgin Symphony Orchestra newsletter application

 

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Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras’ mission is to inspire and cultivate personal excellence through music. After 75 years of music-making, CYSO continues to shape generations of young leaders and musicians. Students collaborate and create in a learning environment like no other, developing fundamental skills including leadership, self-confidence, teamwork, and resilience. We are committed to educating, encouraging, and empowering each young musician so that they may pursue personal excellence both on and off the stage.

 

You can use the information and links below to sign up for an audition spot. Audition registrations are accepted on a rolling basis, but space is limited so don’t delay!

Orchestra

String and full orchestras range from beginner to experienced young musicians.  To join, students participate in an audition and are placed in an appropriate ensemble based on their age and musical experience. Auditions happen each spring, with additional recruiting in the summer if spots need to be filled.

Click Here to Register For an Audition

 

Jazz Orchestra

Building on Chicago’s rich history as a center of jazz music creation and innovation, CYSO’s Jazz Orchestra is dedicated to the study and performance of classic and contemporary big band jazz music. Made up of 25 high school-age musicians, the ensemble performs everything from classic big band swing charts steeped in jazz tradition to new works incorporating current and emerging styles.

Click Here to Register For an Audition

 

Steel Orchestra

CYSO’s Steel Orchestras include four ensembles made up of elementary, middle, and high school students. This is a full year program that introduces students to music through the steelpan (sometimes called the steel drum), a unique percussion instrument which has its roots in the Caribbean islands and culture of Trinidad and Tobago. Rehearsals focus on basic music theory, technique, musicianship, building a diverse repertoire and learning about calypso—the traditional music of Trinidad and Tobago—as well as other musical styles from classical to jazz.

No experience is necessary to join CYSO’s Steel Orchestras– ensembles range from beginner to experienced young musicians. To join, students participate in a tryout and are placed in an appropriate ensemble based on their age and musical experience.

Click Here to Try Out For the Steelpan Orchestra

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Lake County Symphony Orchestra

LCSO Website Link

Overview

The Lake County Symphony Orchestra was founded as the Full Score Chamber Orchestra by its charter members in 2004 for the purposes of continuing to partner together musically and share the gift of creative live music wherever it could. The organization started by building strong relationships with the Zion Park District, Zion Benton High School, Zion District 6, and Cancer Treatment Centers of America to provide enriching musical events for Zion and surrounding communities. Growing deep into Lake County since those early days, more developing partnerships continue to benefit children and adults both culturally and educationally, and enhance the cultural offerings in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. 

Since its first summer, LCSO has launched several major annual events - Kids Koncerts, Welcome Christmas, Timeless Classics and Celebration of Classical Jazz. Families are encouraged to bring their children and picnics for a fun relaxing evening of great music under the evening sky at the outdoor concerts on July 4th and Labor Day weekend. Kids Koncerts yearly play for over 1,000 children. The Christmas concert features the best of secular and sacred favorites - often with singers and choir partnerships with local churches. Concerts usually include an informative narration by Artistic Director, Ron Arden. The rare addition of jazz, rock, diverse ethnic, and pops genres to an already gifted classical ensemble is the creative and passionate offering of the LCSO. The orchestra's Timeless Classics event in winter heralds the best of great symphonic literature.

Lake County Symphony Orchestra is indeed one of the most invigorating musical ensembles on Chicago's north shore and presently the only professional orchestra in Lake County. In addition to its regular season, LCSO has served as accompaniment for headline artists at the Genesee Theater in Waukegan for such artists as Marie Osmond, The Temptations, Clay Aiken, Symphonic Led Zeppelin, and The Roy Orbison Virtual Tour - to name just a few. The orchestra in total and/or part is available for professional musical services. Members playing come from Milwaukee to Chicago and part of the LCSO mission is to include advanced students and community musicians on its' stage. 

How to Get Involved

Interested players may send a professional resume to [email protected].

 

Candidates should have at least 2 years experience in a professional orchestra, a degree in music, and at least 4 professional references from conductors and teachers. Any principal horn experience is a significant plus. 

 

The LCSO is a unique organization with all members helping run day to day operations. Tasks include but are not limited to library, marketing, house management, personnel, website, and social media.

 

Selected candidates will play a solo audition and one concert with the LCSO with a decision made the first week of July 2022 - no tapes or videos please.

 

To Apply: 

Please send a letter of inquiry and professional resume to Artistic Director, Ron Arden ([email protected]). 

Auditions will be held in-person. No tapes or videos will be accepted. Further details regarding the audition process will be provided upon acceptance of candidates to play for the committee.

Link to Auditions page for additional information

 

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fvcb.org website

Overview

The mission of the Fox Valley Concert Band is two-fold:

• To provide opportunities for qualified area musicians to grow in musical excellence through participation in an organization dedicated to that aim.
• To provide area residents continuing opportunity for exposure to the best in the concert band repertoire.

We are a not-for-profit, all volunteer concert band comprised of approximately 80 members drawn from many communities in and around the Fox River Valley area. Tickets are not needed as our concerts are always free and open to the public.

The musical fare for our six to eight summer concerts in area parks and for festivals is lighter and includes marches, show tunes and some light classical works. The fall, winter and spring concerts are more challenging musically and include both modern and period works. The concerts generally scheduled are:

 

How to Get Involved

The band has an audition policy to ensure a standard of musical competence. We are growing the organization and will allow you to play with the ensemble to "try us out" for a few weeks before asking you to audition. Section leaders will supply more information about auditions, but most will be asked to play from the current IMEA scale sheet: Click here for a link (6.9 MB pdf file). While all interested musicians are encouraged to audition for membership, there are always some sections of the band that are more in need than others. Our most pressing current needs can be found on the front page of the fvcb.org website.

 

 The Hank and Arlene Wintczak Memorial Internship:

 

The Fox Valley Concert Band is pleased to announce the Hank & Arlene Wintczak Memorial Internships in memory of FVCB founding members and section leaders, Hank & Arlene Wintczak.

 

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 Fox Valley Orchestra

Link to FVO Website

 

Overview

The Fox Valley Orchestra is a not-for-profit cultural organization whose purpose is to provide fine musical performances for people of all ages and educational oppurtunities for youth.

 

How to Get Involved

 

Orchestra Membership: Next audition dates: May 7, 2022

We have separate openings for Classical and Summer Pops ensembles.

Players interested in auditioning to become a member of the FVO should complete our online Audition Registration form

Click here for details on our audition excerpt requirements.

 

Classical Openings:

• Asst Concertmaster
• Section 1st Violin
• Pr & Section 2nd Violin
• Asst Pr & Section Viola
• Section Cello
• 2nd Trumpet
• 3rd Horn
• Pr Trombone
• Tuba
• Pr & Section Percussion

Summer Pops Openings:

• Asst Concertmaster
• Section 1st Violin
• Pr & Section 2nd Violin
• Section Viola
• Section Cello
• Pr Bass
• 2nd Clarinet
• 2nd, 3rd Trumpet
• 2nd, 3rd Horn
• Pr Trombone
• Tuba
• Pr & Section Percussion

Chorus Membership:

Singers interested in auditioning to become a member of the FVOC should contact our personnel manager to arrange an audition.

Send an email to personnel manager, to request an audition time and with any questions regarding member commitment requirements.

Click here for details on our audition requirements.

 Next auditions are TBA, Email inquiries to the address above.

Openings:

• Soprano
• Alto
• Tenor
• Bass

 Jobs

The Orchestra offers opportunities in a variety of departments. We seek highly motivated individuals, dedicated to excellence and willing to contribute to our mission in the community.

Current Openings:

• Ticket Master
• Personnel Manager

(Click for more information)

For more information on these positions, please inquire at [email protected].  We strive to create and maintain a diverse community.  The Fox Valley Orchestra does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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Naperville Winds

Link to Naperville Winds Website

 

Overview

The Naperville Winds comprises talented musicians from across Chicagoland and beyond. It is the ensemble’s mission to promote, through programming and commissioning, the very best wind band repertoire from a diverse array of styles, time periods, and composers. Membership is open to all players standard of wind band instruments, including Piccolo, Flute, Clarinet in E flat, Clarinet in B flat, Bass Clarinet, Contrabass Clarinet, Oboe, English Horn, Bassoon, Contrabassoon, Horn, Trumpet in B flat, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Percussion, Piano, Organ, Double Bass, and Harp.

 

Get Involved

 

The Naperville Winds, which is composed of members 18 years of age and older, rehearses each Thursday from late August to late April, 6:00 to 9:00 pm in the North Central College Fine Arts Center/Wentz Concert Hall (171 East Chicago Avenue Naperville, Illinois. 60540). The ensemble performs three to four concerts per season, produces professional recordings of the season’s repertoire, and serves as the keynote ensemble at major events in the area.

 

The inaugural season will begin with the first rehearsal on Thursday, August 26, 2021. Other than the posted open positions, all auditions are closed for the current season. Please check back frequently for additional information. Audition materials for the 2022-2023 season will be posted in the spring of 2022.

 Link to Naperville Winds Auditions Page.

 

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Naperville Youth Symphony Orchestras

Link to NYSO Website

 Mission and Overview

The Naperville Youth Symphony Orchestra (NYSO) believes in the intrinsic and progressive power of the art of music to inspire not only musicians but the people and communities that surround them. Music circumvents all boundaries and serves as a catalyst to bridge our differences.  It is our mission to serve young musicians by providing innovative classical training and exposure to varying musical genres culminating in high level performances to thrill both performer and audience.  We are committed to instilling standards of excellence while providing an atmosphere of racial, cultural, and socio-economic inclusiveness.  Music is an experience for the young and mature musician in correlation with the audience alike; we strive to commit this art not only for the present generation experience but for the future generation as well. This is why we do it. This is what we believe.

Programs:

Orchestra:

ENCORE

The Encore Orchestra serves advanced orchestral musicians. As a full symphonic orchestra (90+ strong) Encore performs professional level classic orchestral literature to sold out performances at the beautiful Wentz Concert Hall in downtown Naperville.  Rehearsals take place on Sunday afternoons from 2:30-5:30pm at Naperville Community Concert Center in Downtown Naperville, IL

 

• Encore Orchestra is open to musicians in 6th grade (advanced level)  - 12th grade Level of Strings - Suzuki Book 5+ (or equivalent)

• Winds/Brass/Percussion - Minimum of three years private study and/or recommendation from private teach

PHILHARMONIA

The Philharmonia Orchestra, a full symphonic orchestra of approximately 60+ musicians, performs orchestral repertoire in its original form. Advanced and high-quality arrangements of timeless classics are utilized as well to provide a professional musical experience for musicians and audience alike.   Rehearsals take place on Sunday afternoons from 3:00-5:00pm at Naperville Community Concert Center in Naperville, IL.

 

• Philharmonia Orchestra is open to musicians 5th grade and upLevel of Strings - Suzuki Book 3+ (equivalent or recommendation from private teacher)

• Winds/Brass/Percussion - Minimum two years of study and/or recommendation from private tea

• Rogue Les Vents Woodwind Quintet
• Divoc Woodwind Quintet
• Divoc Woodwind Quintet
• NYSO Flute Choir
• Double Reed Ensemble
• Brass Quintet

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