Brass Choir
Brass Choir
See Us in Action
The Brass Choir provides a unique ensemble experience not offered by many peer organizations, allowing all Youth Symphony, Philharmonia, and Sinfonia brass players to work together. (Youth Symphony percussionists are also invited to participate as the repertoire allows.) The ensemble explores a wide range of specialized brass repertoire and techniques while providing an opportunity each week for players of varying skill levels and experience to collaborate and learn from one another.
Brass Choir performs in all three EYSO season concerts, and it is typically featured in a special spring concert alongside guest artists or performing world premieres. The spring performance day also includes a public masterclass and collaborative performances. The 2025-2026 season will offer brass students opportunities to collaborate with and learn from trumpeter Brandon Ridenour, as they present the world premiere of a new concerto for trumpet and brass ensemble. Previous guests include Stephen Burns (Fulcrum Point New Music Project), GRAMMY Award-winning Eighth Blackbird, The Millar Brass Ensemble, and the internationally acclaimed Chicago Brass Band.
Brass Choir is led by Dan Sartori .
Recent repertoire performed by Brass Choir includes:
- P. D. Q. Bach – 1712 Overture
- Arthur Bliss – The Right Side of the Line
- Anton Bruckner – Scherzo from Symphony No. 4
- Aaron Copland – Fanfare for the Common Man
- Henri Tomasi – Fanfares Liturgiques
- Joan Tower – Second Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman
Brass Choir rehearses most Sundays, September-May, from 5:35-6:35 pm at Elgin Community College.
Students may miss up to two rehearsals per concert cycle, with special criteria for dress rehearsal absences, without impacting their eligibility to perform.
In addition to weekly rehearsals, students are expected to participate in Fall Camp, prior to the start of the season, as well as Friday evening and/or Saturday dress rehearsals scheduled in advance of each concert.
The Brass Choir typically performs three concerts each season in the Blizzard Theatre at the Elgin Community College Arts Center. The 2025-2026 concert schedule is:
- November 16, 2025 (It’s All Relative)
- May 10, 2026 (Infinite Possibilities)
The Brass Choir occasionally performs on a special April exhibition concert, as well.
Audition for
Brass Choir
Brass Choir is currently accepting late auditions for the 2025-2026 season.
Auditions for the 2026-2027 season will be held May 28-31, 2026.
Philharmonia & Youth Symphony
- Scales: All major scales, 2-octaves when possible; chromatic scale from lowest to highest notes (by memory preferred)
- Solos: 2 contrasting solo selections
- Sight Reading
Sinfonia
- Scales: Concert C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, G, D, A & E major; chromatic scale from lowest to highest notes (by memory preferred)
- Solos: 2 contrasting solo selections
- Sight Reading
Get all the audition details for your ensemble and instrument here.
Questions about audition requirements? Email office@eyso.org — we’re happy to help!