Taking Note – Issue 28
THANK YOUÂ for being a member of the EYSO family.
COVID-19 has impacted everyone—including EYSO.ÂPlease consider making a gift today.Â
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2021
Please help us in congratulating our newest EYSO alumni!
EYSO CLASS OF 2021
Abigail Sledden – Iowa State University, civil engineeringÂ
Alex Karwowski – University of Minnesota, journalismÂ
Alina Kwon – San Francisco Conservatory, flute performanceÂ
Allison Schaffer – Drake University, pre-occupational therapy with music minorÂ
Anand Purushothaman – Illinois Institute of Technology, mechanical engineeringÂ
Arden Wheeler – Loyola Marymount University, biologyÂ
Audrey Forester – Purdue University, pharmacy
Avanish Narumanchi – Georgia Institute of Technology, electrical engineeringÂ
Axel Aguilera – University of Illinois, music educationÂ
Camden Hildy – DePaul University, film studiesÂ
Cayden Olsen – Loras College, engineeringÂ
Chanel Antoshin – Northern Illinois University, music educationÂ
Dylan Rhodes – New York University, music performance & biology/pre-medÂ
EJ Ave – University of Illinois at Chicago, kinesiology
Eliana Eng – University of Illinois, biologyÂ
Elli Wallace – Illinois State University, music
Emanuel Vasquez – Indiana University, trumpet performance/jazz studiesÂ
Emilio Rodriguez – Augustana College, music educationÂ
Emily Nelson – North Park University, physicsÂ
Ethan Blankenship – University of Minnesota, chemical engineeringÂ
Genevieve Tuffy – University of Dubuque, nursing with Spanish minorÂ
Ioanna Rendas – Illinois Wesleyan University, biochemistry/pre-medÂ
Iona Dillon – Valparaiso University, music therapyÂ
Isabel Bergmann – Saint Louis University, marketingÂ
Jacqueline Fernandez – Drake University, doctor of pharmacyÂ
James Butcher – Illinois State University, music educationÂ
Korey Krajecki – University of Alabama, business & corporate lawÂ
Lauren Chang – McGill University, biologyÂ
Alex Karwowski – University of Minnesota, journalismÂ
Alina Kwon – San Francisco Conservatory, flute performanceÂ
Allison Schaffer – Drake University, pre-occupational therapy with music minorÂ
Anand Purushothaman – Illinois Institute of Technology, mechanical engineeringÂ
Arden Wheeler – Loyola Marymount University, biologyÂ
Audrey Forester – Purdue University, pharmacy
Avanish Narumanchi – Georgia Institute of Technology, electrical engineeringÂ
Axel Aguilera – University of Illinois, music educationÂ
Camden Hildy – DePaul University, film studiesÂ
Cayden Olsen – Loras College, engineeringÂ
Chanel Antoshin – Northern Illinois University, music educationÂ
Dylan Rhodes – New York University, music performance & biology/pre-medÂ
EJ Ave – University of Illinois at Chicago, kinesiology
Eliana Eng – University of Illinois, biologyÂ
Elli Wallace – Illinois State University, music
Emanuel Vasquez – Indiana University, trumpet performance/jazz studiesÂ
Emilio Rodriguez – Augustana College, music educationÂ
Emily Nelson – North Park University, physicsÂ
Ethan Blankenship – University of Minnesota, chemical engineeringÂ
Genevieve Tuffy – University of Dubuque, nursing with Spanish minorÂ
Ioanna Rendas – Illinois Wesleyan University, biochemistry/pre-medÂ
Iona Dillon – Valparaiso University, music therapyÂ
Isabel Bergmann – Saint Louis University, marketingÂ
Jacqueline Fernandez – Drake University, doctor of pharmacyÂ
James Butcher – Illinois State University, music educationÂ
Korey Krajecki – University of Alabama, business & corporate lawÂ
Lauren Chang – McGill University, biologyÂ
Layna Ingoldsby – Illinois State University, physics/teacher educationÂ
Lillian Cano – Arizona State University, pre-lawÂ
Lindsey Baron – Calvin University, political science & musicÂ
Luke Suarez – University of Illinois, music performanceÂ
Lydia Gruenwald – Luther College, history & cello performanceÂ
Madison Yehling – Eckerd College, marine biologyÂ
Matthew Styrna – Mannes School of Music, music performanceÂ
Maya Umlauf – University of Chicago, statistics & economics/data scienceÂ
Michael Parchaiski – California State University, jazz studiesÂ
Miguel Rodriguez – Northwestern University, music educationÂ
Nathaniel Davison – Bradley University, undecidedÂ
Nathaniel Tunggal – Williams College, math or computer scienceÂ
Noemi Csutak – Loyola University, neuroscience & psychologyÂ
Perry Li – University of Illinois, bioengineering/biomedical engineering/pre-medÂ
Rachel Christensen – St. Olaf College, violin performance & historyÂ
Ronnie Gorka – Northern Illinois University, music educationÂ
Sam Greetis – Eastman School of Music/University of Rochester, applied music & economicsÂ
Samantha Ayars – Knox College, classics
Samuel Mathew – Saint Louis University, biologyÂ
Savannah Nichols – University of Illinois at Chicago, biochemistryÂ
Taylor Williams – University of Illinois at Chicago, biologyÂ
Tyler Eng – DePaul University, music performanceÂ
Valerie Terdina – Wheaton College, music educationÂ
Vasudha Cidambi – Carnegie Mellon University, behavioral economics, policy, and organizationÂ
Vidya Gundlapalli – Loyola University at Chicago, biochemistryÂ
Zachary George – undecided
Zachary Stordahl – Gustavus Adolphus College, physicsÂ
Zoe Umlauf – University of Chicago, molecular engineering & chemistryÂ
Zylle Constantino – University of Illinois, chemical engineering & music performanceÂ
Lillian Cano – Arizona State University, pre-lawÂ
Lindsey Baron – Calvin University, political science & musicÂ
Luke Suarez – University of Illinois, music performanceÂ
Lydia Gruenwald – Luther College, history & cello performanceÂ
Madison Yehling – Eckerd College, marine biologyÂ
Matthew Styrna – Mannes School of Music, music performanceÂ
Maya Umlauf – University of Chicago, statistics & economics/data scienceÂ
Michael Parchaiski – California State University, jazz studiesÂ
Miguel Rodriguez – Northwestern University, music educationÂ
Nathaniel Davison – Bradley University, undecidedÂ
Nathaniel Tunggal – Williams College, math or computer scienceÂ
Noemi Csutak – Loyola University, neuroscience & psychologyÂ
Perry Li – University of Illinois, bioengineering/biomedical engineering/pre-medÂ
Rachel Christensen – St. Olaf College, violin performance & historyÂ
Ronnie Gorka – Northern Illinois University, music educationÂ
Sam Greetis – Eastman School of Music/University of Rochester, applied music & economicsÂ
Samantha Ayars – Knox College, classics
Samuel Mathew – Saint Louis University, biologyÂ
Savannah Nichols – University of Illinois at Chicago, biochemistryÂ
Taylor Williams – University of Illinois at Chicago, biologyÂ
Tyler Eng – DePaul University, music performanceÂ
Valerie Terdina – Wheaton College, music educationÂ
Vasudha Cidambi – Carnegie Mellon University, behavioral economics, policy, and organizationÂ
Vidya Gundlapalli – Loyola University at Chicago, biochemistryÂ
Zachary George – undecided
Zachary Stordahl – Gustavus Adolphus College, physicsÂ
Zoe Umlauf – University of Chicago, molecular engineering & chemistryÂ
Zylle Constantino – University of Illinois, chemical engineering & music performanceÂ
HEROES CONCERTS STREAMING UNTIL MAY 23
Thank you for tuning in and thank you for supporting!
Spotlight
Spotlight on EYSO board members, students, volunteers, and alumni. Get to know EYSO in a whole new light!
 • ALUMNI •
SPOTLIGHT ON EYSO ALUMNI PETER VAN NORTWICK
Peter Van Nortwick graduated high school in 2009 after playing double bass in EYSO for four years (two years in Philharmonia, and two years in Youth Symphony). He went on to study political science in college, and now works as a Senior Account Executive at Wellspring Worldwide, a software technology firm based in Chicago. A member of the EYSO Board of Directors since 2015, Peter remains passionate about music as an avid concertgoer, record collector, and listener of all genres: “I’m a music agnostic,” he jokes. “I’m still a fan, I’m still involved in nearly every facet [of music] except performing,” he explains, adding, “and I’m perfectly okay with that.”Even though he isn’t playing double bass these days, Peter vividly remembers his student performances with EYSO, as well as the larger lessons he took from the experience. “Being in EYSO and being taught to hone the skill of listening and processing a lot of information at one time” has come in handy throughout his career—talking to software clients and actively listening to understand their challenges is critical to his success in solving those same challenges. Understanding his role in each new sales situation is not unlike the understanding required of ensemble bassists: first, he needs to learn his own part, and then he must gain an awareness of everyone else’s parts and how he fits into the whole picture. (To hear more about these parallels in Peter’s own words, check out this clip from our interview.)
Peter is committed to making all EYSO alumni feel valued and giving them the opportunity “to stay engaged with the organization at whatever level they feel comfortable with, whether that’s simply coming to a concert and feeling like they’re at home, or getting on the Board of Directors, or just volunteering or becoming a donor.” Whether they’re still playing their instruments or not, “whether they were in EYSO for one year in 1980, or nine years graduating in 2021,” he’s looking forward to strengthening relationships with alumni near and far through the EYSO Alumni Facebook group, the new Alumni Newsletter and Alumni Mentorship Network, and more. Want to learn more and get involved? Contact Peter at pvannortwick@eyso.org—he’d love to hear from you!
By Emily Krasinski, EYSO Membership Coordinator and Music Librarian
 • STUDENTS •
ROBERT HANSON AWARD RECIPENT ANNOUNCED
The Robert Hanson Award was established in 2001 as part of the EYSO 25th Anniversary commemoration. Robert Hanson was the first conductor of the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra and a guiding force in its development throughout its first twenty-five years.
Congratulations to Harry Graham, viola, for submitting the winning essay. As recipient of the Robert Hanson Award, Harry receives a partial scholarship to a summer music camp of his choosing--Interlochen Arts Camp for Harry, where he recently applied and was accepted. Have a great time at camp Harry!
 • VOLUNTEERS •
EYSO SERVANT LEADER AWARD RECIPIENTS
Thank You
Two words that mean SO much! We are grateful to ALL EYSO supporters. On that note, we'd like to highlight this month's special supporters...
THANK YOU FOR ENSURING EYSO'S LEGACY
Last year, during our first-ever Stories Behind the Music campaign, Mr. Cohen shared his EYSO experience with his daughter Leah. Please take a moment to listen to this endearing story.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
IMPORTANT DATES
The 2020-21 season is over, but there's still plenty of activity at EYSO...
MAY
05.10.2021: Stories Behind the Music (in progress)
05.23.2021: Music at the Elgin Public Museum
05.23.2021: Megan Healy & EYSO Collaboration (livestreaming from Sears Gallery at Elgin Academy)
05.27.2021:Â 2021-22 Season Auditions Begin (ending on May 30). EYSO.org/Join-EYSO
05.27.2021: EYSO Board Meeting
05.31.2021: Honors Chamber Ensembles perform at Wing Park, Elgin
JUNE
06.07.2021: FINAL day to apply to Summer Chamber Music Camp. Learn More/Apply Now
06.07.2021: EYSO Staff Retreat
06.23.2021: EYSO Celebratory Virtual Trivia Night!
06.24.2021:Â EYSO Board Meeting
Visit our New EYSO Spirt Wear Store!
award winning graphic designer (and longtime EYSO board member) Noel Childs.
Shopping EYSO's store is a fun way to show your support of EYSO!
GOT SPIRIT? POST YOUR PIC!
#EYSOSpirit
Grab a friend, take a selfie, grab your pet! Post your pics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram #EYSOSpirit THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT & SPIRIT!
Simple Ways to Support EYSO
If you're an Amazon shopper, please bookmark: smile.amazon.com and select "Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra" as the nonprofit to support. This is an easy way to give to EYSO doing what you're already doing. Every amount adds up and is a great help to our fundraising efforts.
Tisbest.org is fueling the movement to replace gifts of stuff with gifts of good that meaningfully connect individuals with important causes. EYSO is one of the nonprofit organizations gift card holders can support. Here's a list of all U.S. nonprofit organizations supported via tisbest.org: All U.S. Charities (click here).
Are you an EYSO fan? Do you (or even your pet) have a birthday coming up? Consider hosting a Facebook birthday fundraiser benefitting EYSO. We will even send thank you birthday notes to your supporters. We can send electronic OR paper birthday thank yous. Simply send your list of birthday fundraiser supporters to our development director and we'll be happy to thank everyone accordingly. Reach out to Kari at KLChristensen@eyso.org. Happy Birthday!
THANK YOU FOR TAKING NOTE!
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