Sinfonia
Sinfonia
See Us in Action
Sinfonia is a symphony orchestra of strings, winds, brass, and percussion for intermediate-level high school and middle school musicians. For many wind, brass, and percussion players, this is their first symphonic experience, playing as solo orchestral players alongside the strings. Sinfonia musicians develop their musical and technical skills while also honing their large ensemble skills in a new setting, creating a culture of individual responsibility.
Sinfonia performs selections from across the orchestral repertoire—both original versions and arrangements—ranging from the Classical era to contemporary film scores. All Sinfonia musicians are eligible to participate in EYSO’s Chamber Music Institute, and all Sinfonia brass, percussion, and flutists are automatically enrolled in their unique instrumental ensembles: Brass Choir, Percussion Ensemble, and Flute Choir. Members of Sinfonia 16 and older are eligible for college credit through Elgin Community College.
Sinfonia is led by Greg Schwaegler.
Recent seasons have included symphonic works by Beethoven, Sibelius, Dvořák, and Bach, as well as film and theater scores to Fiddler on the Roof, West Side Story, and The Dark Knight. Other recent repertoire includes originals and arrangements of:
- Leonard Bernstein – Highlights from West Side Story
- Johannes Brahms – Variations on a Theme of Haydn
- Claude Debussy – “Serenade for the Doll” from Children’s Corner
- Franz Liszt – “Storm”, The Years of Pilgrimage No. 1
- Sergei Prokofiev – Suite from Romeo & Juliet
Sinfonia rehearses most Sundays, September-May, from 3:15-5:15 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.
Sinfonia 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
Sinfonia is currently accepting late auditions for the 2025-2026 season.
Auditions for the 2026-2027 season will be held May 28-31, 2026.
Strings
Strings
- Required Except, Click to Download:
- Scales (By Memory Preferred):
Violin: G, A, C & D major (3-octave) and melodic minor (2-octave)
Viola: C, D, F & G major (3-octave) and melodic minor (2-octave)
Cello: C, D, F & G major (3-octave) and melodic minor (2-octave)
Bass: F, G & A major and melodic minor (all 2-octave) - Solo Selection
- Sight Reading
Winds & Brass
- 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
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!