Donate to NOTES 2020 Today!

Hello! This is Tanner, and to tell you the truth, becoming an intern for EYSO has been an experience filled with endless opportunities. Attending Northern Illinois University, I have discovered that my goal is to become a music educator and bring a well-rounded, thoughtful curriculum to my students. Working with EYSO has provided just that. I am able to work closely with the conductors and the amazing staff members. With their help, I am able to gain insight into the world of this community. Learning techniques and approaches to teaching and conducting only scratch the surface of what I have seen. I think the biggest takeaway from this experience is how close-knit this community has become. The relentless efforts of each member, student and teacher, truly show the amazing work everyone does. I am so happy to not only learn from this community, but to partake in their efforts of bringing music and joy to everyone.

As you may have heard, EYSO is collecting donations as part of our annual fundraising event: the NOTES campaign. This campaign runs from January 26 to April 19. 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 44th season with the theme MOVE! We have five orchestras, a brass choir, two percussion ensembles, and a chamber music program with nearly 350 students from fourth grade through college. We perform three concerts each year, and each concert explores a different connection between music and movement. You can learn more about us at EYSO.org.

As I started my internship with EYSO, it was quite overwhelming to see the numerous ensembles and smaller groups working towards their performances. At first, I was a little skeptical on how an organization could bring together so many students for a concert this extravagant. However, seeing the time and dedication put into these ensembles and chamber groups was absolutely stunning. Eventually seeing my first concert for EYSO, I left the auditorium in awe and understood that this group can and will achieve greatness. Each conductor and staff member reflected a dedication and commitment to bringing the finest education to students who want to go above and beyond. This group is a true inspiration for myself as an educator. I am proud to say that I am able to work with such an esteemed group of people to help propel the great things to come!

Essentially, 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 acknowledgement from EYSO for tax purposes. The campaign runs until April 5.

Thanks very much for your support!

P.S. Come hear Youth Symphony perform! They're absolutely amazing! Click here for the season schedule or click here to view video clips from the November 2019 concert.