About Us
Who We Are: A Home for Music and Growth
Through a comprehensive learning environment promoting curiosity, imagination, critical thinking, and collaboration, the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras have built a national reputation as an engaging and challenging experience for young musicians. With five large ensembles, three sectional ensembles, a thriving Chamber Music Institute, and a beginner Starter Strings program for low-income and minority youth, EYSO shapes hundreds of students each year through rigorous methods of inquiry, “expert noticing,” and high standards of musical training.
Mission Statement
The Mission of the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras is to create a community of young musicians, enriching their lives and those of their families, schools, communities and beyond, through the study and performance of excellent music.
Vision
EYSO envisions a community that engages with music as an integral part of life, sparking curiosity and exploration while cultivating artistry, leadership, and collaboration. We strive to lead through innovative and comprehensive music education, empowering both students and professional colleagues in music to grow through dynamic rehearsals and performances that promote artistry and critical thinking.
EYSO’s values are our organizational “north star,” forming the foundation of our identity and guiding the development of our goals.
- Collaboration
- Exceptionalism
- Innovation
- Critical Thinking
- Inclusivity
Developing Leaders Through Music
Under the leadership of Artistic Director Matthew Sheppard, the students of EYSO explore a comprehensive curriculum each season—one which aims not only to nurture these students artistically and technically, but also to prepare them for a future of complex ideas, creative risk-taking, and leadership as global citizens. Dynamic and engaging rehearsals foster musical and personal growth as students develop into well-rounded and thoughtful communicators, and leaders in their sections, ensembles, schools, and communities.
Educating the Whole Musician
Our thoughtful and attentive approach that is the hallmark of EYSO has led hundreds of alumni to successful careers as professional musicians, educators, and leaders in every field. It’s what we call “educating the whole musician”: preparing our students for a lifelong journey of inquiry, creativity and growth. Regardless of our alumni’s pursuits, their EYSO experience as a valued member of a thought-provoking, rigorous, caring, and encouraging creative environment continues to serve them well.
To learn more about the pedagogical approach that EYSO conductors and coaches use in delivering the EYSO mission, visit the Illinois Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance (CMP) page.
EYSO Through the Years
1976
What started as a small string ensemble under the direction of Robert Hanson quickly grew into something bigger. This was the beginning of the Elgin Area Youth Orchestras, created to give young musicians in the community a place to learn and perform.1998
With the arrival of Artistic Director Randal Swiggum, the group became the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras. Swiggum brought a fresh approach to teaching and performing, encouraging students to make creative connections through a model called Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance — a philosophy of Expert Noticing that still guides EYSO today.2000
- EYSO officially became a nonprofit, led by Swiggum and the organization’s first Executive Director, Kathy Matthews. Under their leadership, the program grew to include multiple orchestras, a brass choir, percussion ensemble, Chamber Music Institute, and Honors Chamber Ensembles, serving nearly 400 students each year.
- EYSO is recognized as the Youth Orchestra of the Year by the Illinois Council of Orchestras.
2005
EYSO is awarded Programming of the Year by the Illinois Council of Orchestras.2006
Youth Symphony tours to Aberdeen, Scotland as the featured orchestra of the Aberdeen International Youth Festival.2007
EYSO wins Youth Orchestra of the Year for the second time.2008
- EYSO performs with violin superstar Midori.
- Artistic Director Randy Swiggum wins Conductor of the Year from the Illinois Council of Orchestras.
2012
Youth Symphony embarks on a Civil War Tour to Gettysburg.2015
- Chicago-based violinist Rachel Barton Pine performs with EYSO for its 40th anniversary.
- EYSO is featured on NPR’s From the Top program
- Illinois Council of Orchestras again recognizes EYSO for Programming of the Year.
2016
Kathy Matthews retires and K. Eric Larson joins EYSO as its second Executive Director.2019
Matthew Sheppard appointed Artistic Director.2020
- EYSO is one of only a few performing arts and youth organizations never to pause operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Became a national leader for safe orchestra performances during COVID-19.
- Summer Chamber Music Camp launched.
2021
- Starter Strings is launched at Oakhill Elementary School.
- Awarded Youth Orchestra of the Year (ICO) for the third time.
- Flute Choir founded.
2022
- Matthew Sheppard is recognized as Conductor of the Year by the Illinois Council of Orchestras, and EYSO is awarded Programming of the Year for the third time.
- Starter Strings expands to Ronald D. O’Neal Elementary School.
2025
Starter Strings expands to Dundee Highlands Elementary.2026
EYSO celebrates its 50th anniversary.