Join EYSO

Serving students grade four through college-age, EYSO comprises nearly 300 students from more than 70 communities in the Chicago area. Each ensemble offers its members unparalleled opportunities to perform, learn, and collaborate in a fair and welcoming environment.

Auditions for EYSO’s 2021-22 season are now closed. The audition application for 2022-23 will open in February.

The EYSO Placement Philosophy

After hearing auditions in late spring, EYSO staff thoughtfully make placement decisions based on playing ability, age, and the current needs of each ensemble. Students are placed in the ensemble most closely matching their musical level, including such considerations as quality of tone production, technical facility, range on the instrument, intonation, vibrato, dynamic range, articulation, phrasing, rhythmic integrity, expressive style, and overall accuracy.

Meeting the printed requirements of an orchestra does not guarantee placement. Striving to provide the best educational experience for students, we take a holistic look at each audition and determine the most suitable placement for cultivating growth.

Would you like to learn more about the benefits of joining EYSO or how to audition? The videos on this page will help answer your questions.