Percussion Ensembles
Percussion Ensembles
See Us in Action
EYSO offers a uniquely strong experience for percussionists of all ages and experience levels. For many EYSO percussionists, this is their first experience in a large symphony orchestra, particularly if they join at the Sinfonia level.
Beyond intensive coaching provided in orchestra repertoire, all EYSO percussionists participate in one of several Percussion Ensembles. In the Percussion Ensembles, students learn to expand and refine their technique, while exploring challenging contemporary repertoire and the tremendous variety of experiences that being a percussionist can offer.
Percussion Ensembles are led by Joe Beribak.
Recent repertoire performed by Percussion Ensembles includes:
- Scott Joplin – Maple Leaf Rag
- John Cage – Third Construction
- Alain Louvier – Duel
- Thomas Morley – selections from Nine Fantasies
- Russell Peck – Lift-off!
- Dmitri Shostakovich – Intermezzo from The Nose
Sinfonia/Philharmonia Percussion Ensembles rehearse most Sundays, September-May, from 1:45-2:45 pm at Elgin Community College. Youth Symphony Percussion Ensemble rehearses from 3:30-4:30 pm.
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 Percussion Ensembles typically perform 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)
- March 8, 2026 (In a Single Moment...)
- May 10, 2026 (Infinite Possibilities)
Audition for EYSO
Percussion Ensembles are 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 & minor scales, 2-octaves; chromatic scale, full length of xylophone
- Solos: 1 snare drum selection, 4-mallet selection, Timpani selection (2, 3 or 4 drums)
- Sight Reading
Sinfonia
- Scales: Major & natural minor scales up to 4 sharps/flats, 2-octaves; 1-octave chromatic scale
- Solos: 1 snare drum selection, 2-mallet selection, Timpani selection (2, 3 or 4 drums)
- 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!