Schaumburg Youth String Ensemble
Amanda Martin, Director

The SYSE is designed to give developing students a chance to improve their playing skills both in a small group setting and as an orchestra. In addition to the large group rehearsal, students will have small group sectionals within the regular rehearsal time (schedule to be determined in the fall).  Qualifying students need to be comfortable playing in the key signatures of C, G, D, A, and F Major and possess an understanding of basic rhythmic patterns. The ensemble experience will introduce the students to a wide variety of bowing techniques and extended key signatures with emphasis on listening and working within a large ensemble. All instrumentalists should have an understanding of shifting and have some experience in third and fourth position. Cellists should be comfortable with fourth position and have an introduction to second and third position. Emphasis is placed on sight-reading skills, ensemble playing and skills related to following a conductor.

All Schaumburg Youth Orchestra members participate in their school orchestra or band program where offered.

Rehearsals: Mondays, 5:30pm - 6:30pm, beginning Sept. 9

2024-25 Concerts:
Winter Concert - Monday, December 16 at 7 pm
Spring Concert - Monday, May 12 at 7 pm

Auditions and Registration NOW OPEN.

Audition for String Ensemble is held via online video submission and will continue through the beginning of the 2024-25 season (in September).

Current SYSE members planning on staying in SYSE only need to register for 2024-25 (no audition is necessary).

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

For your video audition:

• Prepare a brief unaccompanied solo passage of your choice.
• Scales.
  • Play one of the following one-octave major scales: C, G, D, A, F
• Prepared Excerpts
  • Violin
  • Viola
  • Cello

PLEASE NOTE:

• Auditions will be reviewed early August with notifications to follow.
• All SYO members participate in their school orchestra or band programs where available.
• Orchestra placement is at the discretion of the directors.

REGISTER AND AND SUBMIT AN AUDITION

• Installment plans, Financial Assistance, and Scholarships available.
• All members receive a Schaumburg Youth Orchestra T-Shirt.
• Tuition includes a $25 family contribution to the Prairie Center Arts Foundation. 
• Families with more than one child enrolled in the program receive a $25 discount for each additional child after one child is paid in full.