Sunday/Monday, August-May
Director/ Symphony Conductor: Terry Foster
Conductor: Keith Hulen
Conductor: Jillian Forbes
Join an ensemble. Have fun playing unique and challenging music. Read more about our three levels of orchestras for grades 5-12 in the FAQs section below!
Sign up for an Audition
Be a part of EMA!
Auditions are competitive and open to string, woodwind, brass and percussion students. Certain sections may have limited space available.
What is the cost to join the orchestra?
Tuition is $625-$855 depending on the orchestra. Uniform and retreat fees additional. Tuition covers 70% of the total cost to run the program. Donations, grants and ticket sales cover the rest. Extensive financial aid is available. Our goal is to make orchestra as accessible for all as possible.
Upcoming Concerts
All orchestra concerts will be in person. Venues & Ticket information will be updated pending any state or local guidelines surrounding pandemic precautions and recommendations.
| Oct. 29, 2023 | 4:00pm | Jacobs High School | EMA Orchestra Fall Concert | Get Tickets |
| Feb. 10, 2024 | 6:00pm | Holiday Inn-Crystal Lake | Encore Music Academy 19th Annual Gala | Get Tickets |
| Feb. 25, 2024 | 4:00pm | Jacobs High School | EMA Orchestra Winter Concert | Get Tickets |
| May 11, 2024 | 7:00pm | TBA | EMA Orchestra Spring Concert featuring Concerto Competition Winners | Get Tickets |
Frequently Asked Questions
Auditions are about ten minutes long, usually with one or more of the directors of the EMA Youth Orchestra. There are three levels of orchestra and the requirements can be found below.
EMA is committed to providing you with exceptional music education and performance opportunities that build upon and fine-tune your skills in ensemble performance as well as expand and broaden your exposure to unique and challenging repertoire.
All orchestras rehearse at First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, 461 Pierson St. Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
The orchestra has 3-4 concerts: a Fall Concert in Oct/Nov, a Gala in Jan/Feb, a Winter Concert in March, and a Spring Concert in May.
Yes, need-based financial aid is available to all families and individuals. We believe that music is an integral part of everyone’s life. Read our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement.
Attire will be purchased through Encore Music Academy. Student will be measured and have the opportunity to choose from three different options!
- Prelude: formal; black on bottom, white on top
- Intermezzo: formal; black on bottom, white on top
- Symphony: formal; all black or tuxedo
Retreat is the kick off event of our season! All orchestras participate in team-building activities, rehearse in sectionals as well as the large group, and have free time to meet their peers and hang out. The practice time provides a great foundation for the rest of the rehearsals.
You can link to EMA’s Google calendar by clicking this link.
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