Philharmonia
Philharmonia
See Us in Action
See Us in Action
Philharmonia is a symphony orchestra made up of advanced high school and exceptional middle school musicians. Each season, members of Philharmonia study and perform great masterworks of the symphonic repertoire along with lesser-known gems. Philharmonia focuses on advancing musical and technical development while cultivating deep listening, keen ensemble skills, and a collaborative spirit. Critical thinking, curiosity, and independent problem-solving are hallmarks of the Philharmonia experience.
Members of Philharmonia are eligible to participate in the Philharmonia Young Artists Concerto Competition, as well as in the Chamber Music Institute at EYSO. Additionally, all brass, percussion, and flute players are automatically enrolled in their unique instrumental ensembles: Brass Choir, Percussion Ensemble, and Flute Choir.
Members of Philharmonia 16 and older are eligible for college credit through Elgin Community College.
Philharmonia is led by Aaron Kaplan.
Recent repertoire performed by Philharmonia includes:
- Antonín Dvořák – Symphony No. 8
- Gustav Holst – selections from The Planets
- Arturo Marquez – Danzón No. 2
- Darius Milhaud – Saudades do Brasil
- Jessie Montgomery – Hymn for Everyone
- Igor Stravinsky – selections from Firebird Suite
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Selections from Beethoven, Shostakovich, and Haydn
Philharmonia rehearses most Sundays, September-May, from 3:30-5:30 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.
Philharmonia 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)
Audition for EYSO
Philharmonia is currently accepting late auditions for the 2025-2026 season.
Auditions for the 2026-2027 season will be held May 28-31, 2026.
Winds & Brass
- 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
Percussion
- 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
Piano & Harp
- Scales: All major & minor scales, 4-octaves
- Solos: 2-3 contrasting 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!