Preparatory Orchestra
Rehearses Thursdays 6:30 - 8:00 pm
The Central Illinois Preparatory Orchestra was established in 1995 as a training ensemble for the Central Illinois Youth Symphony. Prep Orchestra performs String Orchestra literature of various genres, including strings-only arrangements of orchestral master works. Serious students desiring advancement to Concert Orchestra and Youth Symphony will hone their technical, expressive, and leadership skills in Preparatory Orchestra. Preparatory Orchestra builds upon foundational skills developed in school orchestra ensembles and/or private lessons. Students develop technical and ensemble skills through exciting and challenging literature in a variety of keys and styles. Advanced students refine their shifting, vibrato, and tonal clarity throughout the bow. The ideal candidate for Prep orchestra plays at an intermediate level (Suzuki Book 2 – early Book 4 equivalence), can sight-read notes and rhythms at a grade 2 level, and desires an additional challenge/outlet for development. Any student with at least one year of middle or high school orchestra experience is welcome to join Prep Orchestra, with or without audition. Although the music is challenging, maturity and motivation do play a significant role in the success of motivated older students. Younger students with at least two years of private lessons, or an extensive piano background will generally meet the requirements for success in Prep Orchestra. Serious students desiring advancement to Concert Orchestra and Youth Symphony will hone their technical, expressive, and leadership skills in Preparatory Orchestra.
Rehearses Thursdays 6:30 - 8:00 pm
The Central Illinois Preparatory Orchestra was established in 1995 as a training ensemble for the Central Illinois Youth Symphony. Prep Orchestra performs String Orchestra literature of various genres, including strings-only arrangements of orchestral master works. Serious students desiring advancement to Concert Orchestra and Youth Symphony will hone their technical, expressive, and leadership skills in Preparatory Orchestra. Preparatory Orchestra builds upon foundational skills developed in school orchestra ensembles and/or private lessons. Students develop technical and ensemble skills through exciting and challenging literature in a variety of keys and styles. Advanced students refine their shifting, vibrato, and tonal clarity throughout the bow. The ideal candidate for Prep orchestra plays at an intermediate level (Suzuki Book 2 – early Book 4 equivalence), can sight-read notes and rhythms at a grade 2 level, and desires an additional challenge/outlet for development. Any student with at least one year of middle or high school orchestra experience is welcome to join Prep Orchestra, with or without audition. Although the music is challenging, maturity and motivation do play a significant role in the success of motivated older students. Younger students with at least two years of private lessons, or an extensive piano background will generally meet the requirements for success in Prep Orchestra. Serious students desiring advancement to Concert Orchestra and Youth Symphony will hone their technical, expressive, and leadership skills in Preparatory Orchestra.
Audition Information
Entry Auditions (Primarily Spring auditions for the following season but Fall auditions can be scheduled)
G, D, and C major scales - 2 octaves
G and D minor scales - 1 octave
Note: Auditions for Prep Orchestra are informational, not exclusionary. Audition videos are used to inform seating and repertoire decisions. Any student with at least one year of middle or high school orchestra experience is welcome to join Prep Orchestra, with or without audition. Younger students with at least two years of private lessons, or an extensive piano background will generally meet the requirements for success in Prep Orchestra. Younger musicians should consult the chart below for further info.
- All students are required to audition for initial entrance into any YMI ensemble. Please complete an Audition Application and an audition will be scheduled.
- Auditions will be submitted via YouTube by May 31, 2020 for priority seating. Please upload your video to YouTube (which can be at an unlisted link if you would like) and email the link to ExecDir@YouthMusicIllinois.org.
G, D, and C major scales - 2 octaves
G and D minor scales - 1 octave
Note: Auditions for Prep Orchestra are informational, not exclusionary. Audition videos are used to inform seating and repertoire decisions. Any student with at least one year of middle or high school orchestra experience is welcome to join Prep Orchestra, with or without audition. Younger students with at least two years of private lessons, or an extensive piano background will generally meet the requirements for success in Prep Orchestra. Younger musicians should consult the chart below for further info.
Angela Englishharden, conductor
Angela Englishharden is thrilled to join Youth Music Illinois as the Prep Orchestra Conductor!
As a veteran musician and educator, Mrs. Englishharden has a proven track record of equipping students with the tools for success in orchestra and beyond. She is passionate, caring, and believes in the limitless potential of every student. Her concerts feature exciting and challenging literature at every level.
Mrs. Englishharden holds a BA in Music from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a Masters in Music Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She teaches orchestra in Naperville School District 203, a position she’s held since 2014. Prior to joining the staff in Naperville, she was the Orchestra Director at Urbana Middle School from 1998-2014. As a violist, she is a frequent performer with several Chicago-area orchestras including West Suburban Symphony and DuPage Symphony Orchestra. When not teaching, performing, or conducting, Mrs. Englishharden enjoys time at home with husband Cliff and active sons Ian and Evan.
Angela Englishharden is thrilled to join Youth Music Illinois as the Prep Orchestra Conductor!
As a veteran musician and educator, Mrs. Englishharden has a proven track record of equipping students with the tools for success in orchestra and beyond. She is passionate, caring, and believes in the limitless potential of every student. Her concerts feature exciting and challenging literature at every level.
Mrs. Englishharden holds a BA in Music from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a Masters in Music Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She teaches orchestra in Naperville School District 203, a position she’s held since 2014. Prior to joining the staff in Naperville, she was the Orchestra Director at Urbana Middle School from 1998-2014. As a violist, she is a frequent performer with several Chicago-area orchestras including West Suburban Symphony and DuPage Symphony Orchestra. When not teaching, performing, or conducting, Mrs. Englishharden enjoys time at home with husband Cliff and active sons Ian and Evan.