Prelude
Prelude
See Us in Action
Prelude is for early-intermediate string players in grades 5-9. Their repertoire includes works composed specifically for strings: Baroque concertos, contemporary pieces, settings of folk songs, and classic orchestral works arranged for young players are all part of the Prelude experience. Through this comprehensive repertoire, Prelude musicians develop musical independence, refine string-playing techniques, and strengthen their listening, practice habits, and critical thinking.
EYSO has specially commissioned new music for Prelude by composers Carrie Lane Gruselle and Ethan Parcell, and Prelude often collaborates with percussionists and keyboardists from Youth Symphony in special projects. All Prelude musicians are eligible to participate in EYSO’s Chamber Music Institute.
Prelude is led by Amy Lestina Tonaki.
Recent repertoire performed by Prelude includes originals and arrangements of:
- Harold Arlen & Yip Harburg – Over the Rainbow
- Benjamin Britten – Simple Symphony
- Edward Elgar – Elegy
- Gioachino Rossini – Overture to The Barber of Seville
- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Swan Lake (Act II, No. 10)
Prelude rehearses most Sundays, September-May, from 4:30-6:00 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.
Prelude 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
Prelude is currently accepting late auditions for the 2025-2026 season.
Auditions for the 2026-2027 season will be held May 28-31, 2026.
Strings
Get all the audition details for your ensemble and instrument here.
Questions about audition requirements? Email office@eyso.org — we’re happy to help!