Youth Orchestras
The Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestra is the region's principal provider of youth orchestra education experiences. Musicians interested in joining the Youth Orchestras may use the link below to visit our Auditions page.
If you have any questions regarding auditions, cannot audition during our regular audition dates, or would like to audition and register for an ensemble after scheduled auditions are completed, please contact Youth Orchestras and Community Education Programs Manager Jackie Mitra at jmitra@ilsymphony.org or at (217) 522-2838 x 6.
Staff of the Youth Orchestras Program
Jacobsen Woollen
Conductor of Youth Orchestras and Associate Conductor
(217) 522-2838 x 7
jwoollen@ilsymphony.org
Jackie Mitra
Youth Orchestras & Community Education Program Manager
(217) 522-2838 x 6
jmitra@ilsymphony.org
Practice-A-Thon
ISYO's annual Practice-A-Thon starts Saturday, March 23rd! Practice-A-Thon is ISYO's largest annual fundraiser and is an opportunity for students to improve their musical skills and win prizes while raising funds for ISYO programs. The Practice-A-Thon will take place from March 23rd-April 7, 2024. All musicians in ISYO classes and ensembles, Starter Strings through Symphony Orchestra, may participate in Practice-A-Thon! Please consider making a donation to support our musicians!
View DetailsRegistration & Tuition
ISYO tuition may be paid by check, with a one-time online payment, or make 4 auto-payments.
View DetailsAuditions
Become a member of the ISYO today! ISYO Auditions will be held in August 2023 at the Grant Conservatory of Music and Dance. Interested musicians who wish to join the ISYO may sign up and locate audition requirements by clicking the View Details button below.
View DetailsEnsembles
ISYO offers a variety of orchestra education experiences for youth and adults. ISYO offers five levels of youth orchestras. Students with no prior musical background can begin in Starter Strings as early as third grade. Participation in the program culminates with ISYO's premiere ensemble the ISYO Symphony Orchestra.
View DetailsSummer Strings 2024
The Illinois Symphony Orchestra is excited to offer summer opportunities for beginner through advanced string players in the Springfield area!
View DetailsConductor
We are excited to announce that Jacobsen Woollen has begun his tenure as Conductor of Youth Orchestras and Assistant Conductor of the ISO. Jacobsen comes to the ISO after the completion of a Post-Graduate Diploma in orchestral conducting under the tutelage of Prof. Mark Stringer at the Universität für Musik und Darstellende Kunst.
View DetailsAbsence Report
Please complete the form below to inform ISYO staff of any absences. Please submit at least 24 hours in advance of the referenced date.
View Details