ORCHESTRA PROGRAM
MYAC's Orchestra Program offers six ensembles for students through 12th grade, placing each musician thoughtfully according to age, ability, and experience. Students grow through a carefully sequenced progression — from our entry-level Reading Orchestra all the way to the Symphony Orchestra, whose repertoire matches that of the world's premier professional ensembles.
Throughout their time in the program, students perform under the guidance of renowned conductors and guest artists at Chicago's top venues, experiencing the full tradition of orchestral music-making at the highest level. All orchestra students may enroll in tuition-free music theory classes, and members of the top two orchestras are placed into one of 40+ chamber ensembles — deepening their musical development beyond the rehearsal room.
Reading Orchestra
Reading Orchestra is MYAC’s entry-level orchestra. Reading Orchestra is a string-only group that focuses on teaching the basics of reading music and playing in an ensemble setting. The enrollment is kept smaller to facilitate a closer teacher and student relationship. The students should have at least 1 year of prior instrumental experience.
Reading Orchestra rehearses on Saturdays from 12:00 - 1:00pm.
Learn more about registering for Reading Orchestra
Cadet Orchestra
Cadet Orchestra is comprised of strings, winds, brass, and percussion students. Conductor Patrick Pearson stresses the importance of developing beginning rhythmic and intonation skills in an ensemble and the ability to listen to others while performing.
Cadet Orchestra rehearses on Saturdays from 11:00 -12:00pm.
Concertino Orchestra
Concertino Orchestra is MYAC’s beginning-intermediate performing orchestra for strings, winds, brass, and percussion students. Conductor Patrick Pearson emphasizes developing and perfecting rhythmic and intonation skills in an ensemble.
Concertino Orchestra rehearses on Saturdays from 9:30 to 11:00am.
Philharmonia Orchestra
Philharmonia is MYAC’s intermediate full orchestra. There are approximately 75 students. Under the direction of Patrick Pearson, Philharmonia stresses the importance of rhythm, intonation, dynamics, and balance.
Philharmonia Orchestra rehearses on Saturdays from 1:00 to 3:00pm.
Concert Orchestra
Under the direction of conductor Dr. Allan Dennis, Concert Orchestra is MYAC’s upper-level orchestra with approximately 100 members with a full string section (including harp), winds and brass, and percussion. Every year, Concert Orchestra has the opportunity to accompany the O’Malley Foundation National Concerto Competition Junior Division winner during their concert series.
Concert Orchestra rehearses on Saturdays from 9:30 to 11:30am.
Symphony Orchestra
Symphony Orchestra is the most advanced orchestra at Midwest Young Artists Conservatory. Concert Orchestra is the highest level a new incoming 9th grader may be placed (in cases of exceptional ability, students may be placed in both Concert and Symphony Orchestra). Directed by Dr. Allan Dennis, the Symphony Orchestra represents the highest musical quality of any youth orchestra anywhere in the world.
Symphony Orchestra rehearses on Saturdays from 12:30 to 3:30pm.
Orchestra Placements
With limited exceptions, students will be placed as follows: Students in 6th grade and below will be placed in Reading/Cadet, Concertino or Philharmonia orchestras. Students in 9th grade and below will be placed in Reading/Cadet, Concertino, Philharmonia or Concert orchestras. Only MYAC students who have previously been in Concert Orchestra may audition as an incoming 9th grader into Symphony Orchestra. Students wishing to register for Reading Orchestra should have at least 1 year of prior instrumental experience. Please refer to this Orchestra Placement Rubric for details outlining expectations for each level.
Chamber Music requirement for Concert and Symphony Orchestra members
Concert and Symphony Orchestra members must be available to participate in the Chamber Music Program. Chamber Music ensembles typically meet within two hours before or three hours after Saturday orchestra rehearsal, or on a mutually agreeable alternate day and time.
Recent Repertoire
Philharmonia Orchestra
Beethoven, Egmont Overture
Beethoven, Symphony No. 1
Haydn, Symphony No. 60
Mozart, Symphony No. 25
Mozart, Symphony No. 33
Schubert, Symphony No. 1
Schubert, Symphony No. 5
Concert Orchestra
Beethoven, Symphony No. 2
Beethoven, Symphony No. 5
Dvorak, Symphony No. 8
Hanson, Symphony 2 “Romantic”
Haydn, Symphony No. 104
Mendelssohn, Symphony No. 3
Mendelssohn, Symphony No. 5
Rimsky-Korsakov, Capriccio Espagnole
Schubert, Symphony No. 9
Symphony Orchestra
Berlioz, Symphonie Fantastique
Brahms, Symphony No. 1
Brahms, Symphony No. 2
Mahler, Symphony No. 1
Mahler, Symphony No. 5
Prokofiev, Romeo and Juliet Suite No. 2
Rimsky-Korsakov, Scheherazade
Shostakovich, Symphony No. 5
Shostakovich, Symphony No. 10
Sibelius, Symphony No. 7
Strauss, Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks
Stravinsky, Firebird Suite
Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 5
Honors Ensemble:
I Solisti Symphony Orchestra
I‘Solisti Symphony Orchestra (ISSO) is a select, chamber orchestra directed by Desiree Ruhstrat consisting of five violins, two violas, two cellos, and one double bass from Symphony Orchestra. Participating students receive a scholarship and may have the opportunity to perform a movement from a concerto. Performers and soloists are chosen by audition.
The MYAC Youth Orchestra Experience in Chicagoland
The MYAC orchestra program is part of MYAC’s broader Chicagoland youth music ensemble community, which also includes jazz, chamber music, choral, and summer music programs.
Chicago Summer Music Camps for Middle & High School Students
Chamber Music Program
Jazz Program
Choral Program
Why Choose MYAC Youth Orchestras in Chicagoland?
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Work with professional conductors and musicians from the Chicago area. In addition to esteemed faculty, students regularly have the opportunity to work with acclaimed guests artists.
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Perform advanced orchestral repertoire. Performances take place at MYAC Center as well as some of the most iconic stages across the Chicago area.