ELGIN – The Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra will host an open house for student musicians from 3:30 to 7 p.m. on February 20 at the Elgin Community College Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive.

EYSO offers opportunities for fourth-year college instrumentalists. Student musicians who have been playing their instruments for two to 12 years can find a place to grow in one of six large ensembles, three small ensembles and more than 20 chamber music groups. For 46 years, EYSO has prepared students for a journey of research, creativity and lifelong growth.

The Open House, held in conjunction with the EYSO Sunday Rehearsals, allows students and families to learn about the EYSO education and performance experience. Through rigorous methods of inquiry and “expert opinion”, EYSO not only offers unparalleled performance opportunities, but also a comprehensive learning environment.

EYSO, one of the state’s premier youth orchestras, has been named 2021 Illinois Youth Orchestra of the Year by the Illinois Council of Orchestras. EYSO has nearly 300 students from 70 communities in Lake, Kane, DuPage, DeKalb, McHenry, Kendall, Will, Cook and LaSalle counties.

Registration for the Open House is suggested, but not required. Drop-ins are welcome. Interested students and families can visit eyso.org/openhouse to register and plan their schedule for the day.

Students unable to attend the February 20 open house can email [email protected] to arrange a rehearsal on another Sunday or attend a second open house scheduled for 3:30-7 p.m. April at the Elgin Community College Arts Centre.

EYSO is accepting audition applications for the 2022-23 season. Auditions will be held May 26-29 at Elgin Community College. Students can explore the audition process, learn about audition requirements, and register to audition at www.eyso.org/join-eyso.

ESYO continues its 2021-22 concert season with concerts on March 13 and May 8. Performances on these dates are at 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Elgin Community College Arts Center. To purchase tickets, visit tickets.elgin.edu or call the box office at 847-622-0300. Live stream tickets will be sold on EYSO.org.