Donate to NOTES 2021 today!

Hello! I’m Connie Chen and I’m currently a violinist for the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO). As my sixth year in this youth orchestra, I want to share my experience of EYSO with you.

EYSO has always been such a significant part of my life ever since I joined back in fourth grade. Not only was it a place to make music with others who were just as passionate as I was, but it was a way for me to learn and grow as well. EYSO has taught me how to grow as a musician as well as to be a better person and prepared for the challenges life may throw at us.

Throughout my entire life, I’ve always struggled with making friends as a relatively shy person. EYSO gave me an opportunity to socialize and meet new friends who come from all over Illinois who all share my passion for music. I’ve met countless new friends and created so many precious memories. Especially during this time of little in-person interaction, knowing that I will be able to see my orchestra mates every Sunday at EYSO is reassuring and makes these moments so much more special.

In this current world of uncertainty, EYSO has also been such a huge grounding force for me. EYSO has persevered in finding safe ways for us to still rehearse in person and to experience playing and making music as a group. Knowing I’ll always be able to head to orchestra rehearsal every Sunday is just such a relief. EYSO has become a huge safe place for me, a place to forget all my worries and just make music. To remind myself, through the ever-changing world, that my love and passion for playing and experiencing music is still as strong as ever.

EYSO has always meant a lot to me and has changed my life. They’ve taught me so many important lessons that I can hold with me for the rest of my life. I enjoy giving my time and effort to this organization that has benefited me and so many others, and I plan on continuing to stay with EYSO until I graduate.

That being said, a donation of any amount helps to support the organization, no matter how big or small. Thank you so much for your time, and whether or not you decide to donate, thanks for simply reading this letter!

Sincerely,
Connie Chen

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EYSO is collecting donations as part of our annual fundraising event: the NOTES campaign. This campaign runs from January 24 to March 28.

The purpose of the campaign is to help keep tuition affordable for EYSO members by encouraging EYSO families to collect donations from friends, family, co-workers, neighbors--and you! All contributions to the EYSO are tax-deductible, as allowable by law.

Would you, or someone you know, be willing to donate to EYSO?

This year, we are celebrating our 45th season with the theme Myths & Legends! We have five orchestras, a brass choir, two percussion ensembles, and a chamber music program with nearly 300 students from fourth grade through college. We perform three concerts each year, and each concert explores a different connection between music and movement. We teach the students to be “expert noticers” and think deeper than just the surface of what is given to us. You can learn more about us at EYSO.org.

Tuition covers only one-third of the total cost of each member’s participation in EYSO. Our NOTES campaign helps keep tuition reasonable and offsets program costs.

Please consider donating to EYSO to help Youth Symphony meet its goal. More importantly, it will help benefit everyone in EYSO.

Once the NOTES campaign is completed, you will receive a donation acknowledgment from EYSO for tax purposes. The campaign runs until March 28.

Thanks very much for your support!

P.S. Hear EYSO perform! Click here for the season schedule or click here to explore video clips on our YouTube channel