​About

​MYSO seeks to promote and challenge talented orchestral musicians by providing an opportunity to perform repertoire of a wide variety of styles and historical periods with the goal of musical excellence. Membership in MYSO consists of junior high and high school students from Joliet and 21 surrounding communities as well as students from Lewis University and Joliet Junior College.

Founded in Chicago in 1959, MYSO is partially supported by the Illinois Arts Council.

Announcements​

NEW! VIRTUAL CLASSES STARTING JANUARY 2021
While our in-person orchestra rehearsals remain as a strings-only ensemble, we are offering two virtual classes for our members to participate in safely at home - a Virtual Flute Ensemble Class taught by Music Educator and Flutist Ms. Annie S. Chung, and a Brass Ensemble Class taught by MYSO Alum, Band Director and Trumpeter Mr. Don Stinson.  These zoom classes will meet weekly for 8 classes, and will be a great way to meet with fellow players, learn orchestral music, and grow as a musician. MYSO players will not need to audition for a spot in these classes.  Youth from the community will be invited to join us as well, pending an audition.  Reserve a spot for these limited-availability classes today! Classes begin in January.

​Board of Directors’ Matching Gift Challenge!

​Our Board of Directors have teamed up to match contributions made by our supporters.  Read this special message from Former Maestro Sisk and consider donating today.

​​MYSO Auditions

Due to COVID-19, we have moved the auditions to an online format in which students will submit video auditions. While our Strings-only Ensemble is in progress for the season, we are still looking for more violists, bassists and advanced violinists to join us in January 2021.
Visit our Join MYSO page for audition details.

​2021 Student Composition Contest

Calling Student Composers! We’re seeking new works for our youth string orchestra. The winning work will be performed by MYSO in the spring 2021.

Read more

MYSO Hires Dr. Benjamin Firer as New Music Director

We are excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Benjamin Firer as MYSO’s Music Director for the 2020-2021 Season! Dr. Firer is an award-winning conductor with a Doctorate in Orchestral Conducting from Northwestern University and a Master’s Degree from Yale University. Read more about Dr. Firer here.

Maestro Sisk Retires as Music Director

After 29 years as the MYSO Music Director, Dr. Lawrence Sisk announces his retirement from conducting. Read Dr. Sisk’s Announcement.

2020 MYSO Concerto Competition

Congratulations to Lillian Pankhurst (flute) and Jack Gordon (horn) on performing their concertos at our MYSO Strings Fall Festivo Concert, October 28, 2020!

MYSO Gift Shop

MYSO apparel can now be purchased online at Cafepress. Purchase online and have them shipped directly to you! Visit the MYSO Gift Shop

Handbook

The 2019-2020 handbook is posted here.
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​ 2020 MYSO T-Shirt Logo Contest awarded to Moira Kozlowski

Support MYSO

MYSO relies on the generous support of patrons. To learn how you can give, click here.
About
MYSO seeks to promote and challenge talented orchestral musicians by providing an opportunity to perform repertoire of a wide variety of styles and historical periods with the goal of musical excellence. Membership in MYSO consists of junior high and high school students from Joliet and 21 surrounding communities as well as students from Lewis University and Joliet Junior College.

Founded in Chicago in 1959, MYSO is partially supported by the Illinois Arts Council.
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