Preparatory Orchestra
Rehearses Thursdays 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Introduced in 1995, the Central Illinois Preparatory Orchestra is designed to be a training ground for the Concert Orchestra and Youth Symphony. This String Orchestra will challenge students that have been in their school ensembles and want to play an extra-curricular orchestra. This strengthens both our ensembles and school ensembles, so we encourage partnerships between schools and our orchestra conductors. Students in Prep Orchestra continue to learn how to play in an ensemble, focusing on artistic expression and technical accuracy.
Rehearses Thursdays 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Introduced in 1995, the Central Illinois Preparatory Orchestra is designed to be a training ground for the Concert Orchestra and Youth Symphony. This String Orchestra will challenge students that have been in their school ensembles and want to play an extra-curricular orchestra. This strengthens both our ensembles and school ensembles, so we encourage partnerships between schools and our orchestra conductors. Students in Prep Orchestra continue to learn how to play in an ensemble, focusing on artistic expression and technical accuracy.
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
- 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
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.