To perform with Illinois symphony orchestras, education and training is essential. Getting into a symphony or orchestra pits you against many talented musical hopefuls. With education and training, you can the knowledge and skills you need to compete with others who have performance experience and musical interpretation skills.

Whether you plan to join a southern Illinois symphony orchestra, sometimes referred to as the symphony in Illinois, training in classical music and having a general knowledge of composers and backgrounds enhances your performance. Some ways to get your symphony orchestra education and training include the following options:

1. Work with professionals in your area to obtain Illinois symphony orchestras education and training.

2. Find online resources to learn what music orchestras in Illinois might play.

3. Go to conferences and seminars that give you insight into music and Illinois orchestras.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Take lessons for music training before joining the Illinois youth orchestra

Before you audition for an orchestra in Illinois, consider taking lessons from a professional in the industry. They will guide you through performances and state competitions and guide you in proper auditioning techniques. Other professionals offer courses that enrich your performance experience.

I recommend: PrivateLessons.com offers students the opportunity to find professionals in their state and area for musical training. Sort through teachers by background training or by instrument specialty. From the Top educates musicians with a unique, interactive musical curriculum. Students training to participate in an Illinois symphony could do some training online with this online educational program.

Attend a professional school to learn how to study music played by an orchestra in Illinois

Attending a professional music school educates students not only on the nuances of music, but also on the history behind the music. It also offers students performance opportunities, individual training sessions and lessons, and it teaches students how to audition for optimal results.

I recommend: Illinois Wesleyan University offers students a rigorous music training program in classical music. Its tours for jazz, choir and wind instruments place an emphasis on both group and solo performances, giving students the experience they need for performing in an Illinois symphony. Illinois State University offers undergraduate and graduate programs for students interested in an education on music performance. It even teaches conducting and composition.

Learn about playing for symphony orchestras in Illinois by attending conferences

Attending a conference put on by an organization associated with a symphony in Illinois keeps you current in industry changes. It also gives you an opportunity to network with professionals from the Chicago community orchestra and other orchestras and keeps your face fresh in their minds for when you audition.

I recommend: The Illinois Alliance for Arts Education offers educational opportunities for students interested in learning more about playing in orchestras or other art-related endeavors. It offers study resources, as well as conferences, seminars and other training opportunities. The Illinois Council of Orchestras offers trainings and workshops for those interested in addressing music industry issues. It keeps musicians current with industry trends and changes.

Involvement with an Illinois symphony orchestra can be a great opportunity for the small business owner. It can establish a balance between work and recreation for your employees, create a good reputation for your company and strengthen ties with your community. Attending a performance by a symphony orchestra supports not only professional musicians but young, aspiring musicians, as well.

You can use tickets to an orchestra in Illinois to entertain clients, provide rewards for employees and show your appreciation to customers. Tickets to individual performances are readily available in many cases and most orchestras also offer season tickets. Orchestras frequently offer discounts for families, students and seniors as well.

Illinois orchestras generally fall into the following categories:

1. A symphony in Illinois has professional musicians and may feature internationally known performers as guests. A full symphony or philharmonic orchestra usually consists of at least 80 players and may have more than 100.

2. Smaller community orchestras that offer free public concerts and may be available for private events. A chamber orchestra has less than 40 players.

3. Youth orchestras that feature younger players. These orchestras typically require players to be within a specified age range and stage annual auditions.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find professional Illinois symphony orchestras near you

Symphony orchestras perform a variety of classical, experimental and modern compositions in Illinois. Opera also is popular and typically has scheduled performances throughout the season.

I recommend: The American Federation of Musicians has a list of the member orchestras of the Regional Orchestra Players' Association. Join the Association of Major Symphony Orchestra Volunteers to support symphonies not only in Illinois, but those around the country.

Support an Illinois youth orchestra

Young musicians can obtain stage experience and training in a youth symphony. Illinois youth symphonies are well-respected and perform many of the same pieces as professional orchestras.

I recommend: Playmusic.org has many music-related links, including an alphabetical list of youth symphonies by state. Your business can support a youth symphony orchestra such as the Central Illinois Youth Symphony in Peoria.

Buy tickets to an IL symphony orchestra in your city

Most large cities in Illinois have at least one professional orchestra and several chamber orchestras. They play many different types of music, in addition to classical compositions.

I recommend: The Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs classical and popular music at Symphony Center. The Danville Symphony Orchestra is a non-profit, professional orchestra that performs at the Danville High School Auditorium.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Listen to performances over the radio. Many major Illinois symphony orchestras broadcast live and recorded performances that allow you to enjoy world-class music from your home. The websites for the orchestra and radio stations will list the scheduled air times and performances.

Illinois is home to many symphony orchestras. To lovers of classical music, you can experience several established orchestras throughout the state - and not just in Chicago.

Illinois symphony orchestras generally fall into the following categories:

1. A professional symphony in Illinois may feature internationally known performers as guests and usually consists of at least 80 musicians.

2. Smaller community symphony orchestras that offer free public concerts and may be available for private events.

3. Youth and Univesity symphony orchestras that feature younger players. These orchestras typically require players to be within a specified age range or students.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Enjoy a professional Illiniois symphony orchestra

The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra and Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra are some of the major professional orchestras in Illinois, where you can hear a wide selection of classical music. These orchestras have a long history and loyal following.

I recommend: The Illinois Philharmonic features several guest performers, as well as various special events, throughout the season. The Danville Symphony Orchestra is a non-profit, professional orchestra that performs at the Danville High School Auditorium.

Experience a community orchestra

Illinois is known for its fabulous community orchestras, especially in and around Chicago.

I recommend: Two of the most noted community orchestras are the Lake Shore Symphony Orchestra and the Evanston Civic Orchestra.

Listen to the Illinois Youth

Young musicians hone their talent in university and youth symphonies throughout Illinois. These young musicians are well-respected and perform many of the same pieces as professional orchestras.

I recommend: Playmusic.org has many music-related links, including an alphabetical list of youth symphonies by state. The University of Illinois Orchestra Program has information about its various orchestras, which include the University of Illinois Symphony Orchestra and the University of Illinois Philharmonia Orchestra.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Become members of the symphony orchestras in Illinois and receive season tickets. This allows you to save money and be a part of your favorite orchestras.

Knowledge of some of the Illinois symphony orchestras and some key terms will make planning your Illinois symphony trip more rewarding. These terms will give you an idea of the symphony orchestra options offered in Illinois.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Illinois Council of Orchestras

The Illinois Council of Orchestras was founded to promote Illinois orchestras and promote the exchange of resources and information between orchestras in Illinois. It also sponsors orchestra-related workshops, conferences and other activities.

I recommend: Visit the Illinois Council of Orchestras to learn more about its activities and its members.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) puts on more than 150 events a year. In addition to a full schedule of classical programs, the CSO offers pops, jazz, outdoor concerts, and other special events year-round.

I recommend: Visit the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to learn more about the organization and for ticket information.

Youth orchestra

Youth orchestras are made up of young musicians. Although the age ranges vary, most youth orchestras consist of musicians aged from about 10 to 18 years old.

I recommend: The Central Illinois Youth Symphony Organization (CIYSO) is a youth orchestra based in Morton, Illinois. Founded in 1965, it is composed of musicians from sixth grade through high school.

Opera

Most symphony orchestras present operas on occasion. Operas are a performance in which actors sing a dramatic story, called the libretto, accompanied by a musical score that is usually performed by the symphony orchestra.

I recommend: Learn more about opera at the University of Illinois School of Music at Urbana-Champaign.

Pops

While orchestras primarily perform classical music, many orchestras also perform popular music programs. These so-called 'pops' concerts can include any kind of popular music, from big band and jazz to modern radio hits.

I recommend: Visit the Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra for information on its concerts, including pops offerings.

Elgin Symphony Orchestra

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra (ESO) is the largest Illinois symphony outside of Chicago. Its programs include pops, classical, and holiday concerts.

I recommend: Go to the Elgin Symphony Orchestra for calendar and ticket information.