Starter Strings: Program Overview

The youth orchestra was founded as Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony (SVYS) in 1976, in response to the cutting of orchestra in Springfield area schools. SVYS merged with Illinois Symphony Orchestra in 2020 to become the Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestras. We passionately believe in the benefits of string education for children, which have been demonstrated by countless studies, and we are proud to bring those benefits to the Springfield community via accessible and quality group classes.

Director:  Jacobsen Woollen
Programs Manager:  Jackie Mitra
String Instructors:  Meredith Crifasi, Maria Emmons, Mu-Chi Hsieh, Elyse Morehead

The Ladder of Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestras Ensembles

• Starter Strings (beginner)
• Junior Strings (2nd year)
• Preparatory Orchestra (musical fundamentals and ensemble skills)
• Concert Orchestra (string technique and preparation for Symphony Orchestra)
• Symphony Orchestra (full wind/brass/strings, flagship performing group) 

Research-backed Benefits of Strings Education

• Increased focus and attention
• Fine motor skills and not a screen-based activity
• Building of friendships and social skills through learning and performing with others
• Huge benefits in teamwork and citizenship from playing in ensembles
• Creativity, self-expression, pride, and self-esteem
• Ability to find an immediate social group by joining a community orchestra with shared interests
• Learning and brain benefits, including math skills and preventing Alzheimer’s and dementia 

Tuition

$225/year, 25-30 annual lessons (depending on start date and holidays), approximately $7-9/class

Financial Assistance

Full tuition assistance is available for all who need it. The ISYO also has a small inventory of instruments for students for whom instrument rental would represent a significant financial barrier. For more information, contact Jackie Mitra at [email protected].

Instrument Rental

We highly recommend renting, rather than buying, instruments, as kids will move through various sizes and need to switch instruments regularly. The Music Shoppe is the primary source for rental instruments in town: with repair insurance included (highly recommend for people of young ages!), violins and violas rent for $25/ month, cellos for $37/month. 

Please register and get your rental instrument before the first class meeting, if possible.

Required Class Materials

• Instrument, case, bow, and resin - we recommend rental (these usually come together as a package)
• Sound Innovations for Strings - Book 1 (about $10 - make sure to get the book for your instrument!)
• Shoulder rest (violin and viola need one - $10-$15)
• Foldable music stand ($10-$30)
• Handkerchief or very soft cloth
• Folder for papers/music
• Pencil with eraser

Performances

Starter Strings classes will have two exciting performance opportunities this year! Our Starter Strings Showcase will be on Saturday, January 25th: each class will participate in one of the three performances at 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm. Our Spring Showcase concert will be on Sunday, April 27th at 4pm in the UIS Performing Arts Center (with the entire rest of the ISYO program and the UIS Orchestra!).

Questions? Contact Jackie Mitra at [email protected].