two tiers of quality string education in a collaborative setting
When we took a hiatus in spring of 2020 due to COVID-19, we decided to take the opportunity to reimagine the IVYSO from the ground up. While the vision we have for the IVYSO goes far beyond the next five years, we've stumbled on a three-stage reopening strategy that will lead us to where we were before COVID knocked the world into chaos...but better, bigger, and stronger.
Stage one's focus was simple: start rehearsing again. We decided to do this as a string orchestra, building a solid string core that we can eventually build a full orchestra program around. We finally were able to kickstart this phase in September of 2021, returning to rehearsals after a year and a half away.
We're thrilled to be entering stage two. Stage two focuses on the implementation of a starter strings class that mirrors the orchestral programming available in schools and prepares students for playing in the string orchestra. The Illinois Valley has a rich tradition of band education beginning around 4th grade, and we know that once we get our full orchestra up and running again, our string students will need to be able to keep up with their wind, brass, and percussion counterparts. This program thus meets multiple goals.
Stage three is a ways off yet, but the hope is to reimplement a full orchestra program by the fall of 2024. You can read below about our full orchestra program as it has existed in the past, but we are excited to kick it into high gear when we are able to reinstate the program in a couple years.
If you or your student is interested in either our String Orchestra or Prelude String Orchestra programs, read all about them here and then send an inquiry through our Contact page!
Stage one's focus was simple: start rehearsing again. We decided to do this as a string orchestra, building a solid string core that we can eventually build a full orchestra program around. We finally were able to kickstart this phase in September of 2021, returning to rehearsals after a year and a half away.
We're thrilled to be entering stage two. Stage two focuses on the implementation of a starter strings class that mirrors the orchestral programming available in schools and prepares students for playing in the string orchestra. The Illinois Valley has a rich tradition of band education beginning around 4th grade, and we know that once we get our full orchestra up and running again, our string students will need to be able to keep up with their wind, brass, and percussion counterparts. This program thus meets multiple goals.
Stage three is a ways off yet, but the hope is to reimplement a full orchestra program by the fall of 2024. You can read below about our full orchestra program as it has existed in the past, but we are excited to kick it into high gear when we are able to reinstate the program in a couple years.
If you or your student is interested in either our String Orchestra or Prelude String Orchestra programs, read all about them here and then send an inquiry through our Contact page!
String Orchestra
The IVYSO String Orchestra began, in its current form, fall of the 2021-22 season. It is directed by our Strings Director, Rhoda Kay Roberts. The String Orchestra rehearses weekly and has two full concerts a year, one at the end of each semester.
Auditions for the 2022-23 season are being held soon and excerpts, forms, and applications are all posted under the Members tab: click "Audition" for more or click here to be directed to the appropriate page.
Auditions for the 2022-23 season are being held soon and excerpts, forms, and applications are all posted under the Members tab: click "Audition" for more or click here to be directed to the appropriate page.
Prelude String Orchestra
Designed for 4th and 5th graders, this program will guide you and your student from the very beginning: choosing an instrument all the way to their first performance! That means NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!
Details are still being ironed out, but this is what we know so far:
Class will be held Tuesday nights beginning October 11th from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. at La Salle-Peru High School in La Salle, Illinois.
An in-person recruitment night, where families can choose the instrument they'd like to pursue for the year, will be held the morning of Saturday, October 1st. Location and exact time TBD.
We're still figuring out some things, and you get to help. If you're interested in this program, please visit this link and fill out the interest form. This will help us gauge interest and determine what we can expect the program to cost vs. how much we can expect to get back in tuition.
Details are still being ironed out, but this is what we know so far:
Class will be held Tuesday nights beginning October 11th from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. at La Salle-Peru High School in La Salle, Illinois.
An in-person recruitment night, where families can choose the instrument they'd like to pursue for the year, will be held the morning of Saturday, October 1st. Location and exact time TBD.
We're still figuring out some things, and you get to help. If you're interested in this program, please visit this link and fill out the interest form. This will help us gauge interest and determine what we can expect the program to cost vs. how much we can expect to get back in tuition.
Full Orchestra
The Illinois Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra is still on hiatus. While it is in operation, it is the only full orchestra music program for students in the Illinois Valley. We hope to reinstate this part of our program within the scope of our five-year vision (implemented in 2020), but exact timing will depend on interest and the development of the other two groups. We hope to see our wind, brass, and percussion friends in rehearsals again sooner rather than later! Stay tuned!
