
July 26 6:00-9:00pm
July 27, 28, 31, Aug. 1
6:00-8:00pm
Director: Terry Foster

Join Encore’s summer honors string orchestra. Have fun playing unique and challenging music with top musicians from across McHenry, Kane and Cook counties and surrounding areas!
Perform with us!
Be a part of EMA!
Auditions are competitive and open to violin, viola, cello and double bass students entering 9th-12th grade.
Download the audition information or see the FAQ’s below
Graduating seniors and alumni are invited to audition for the Woodstock Community Orchestra – click here for more information and the google form.
What is the cost to join the summer string orchestra?
Summer Tuition is $125. Tuition covers 70% of the total cost to run the program. Donations, grants and ticket sales cover the rest. Comprehensive financial aid is available. Our goal is to make this summer program as accessible for all as possible.
2023 Performance: August 2 @ 6pm
Location: Historic Woodstock Square
Woodstock, IL 60098
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Frequently Asked Questions
Audition Requirements (see details below):
One continuous video with the following items in the order below:
- Scales: C and G Major, 3 octaves
- Prepared piece of your choice, 2-5 minutes in length. Should demonstrate technical skill and musicianship.
Video Submission due Friday, April 14, 2023 by 11:59pm
Audition Requirements:
A video with the following items in the order below:
- Scales: C and G Major, 3 octaves
- Prepared piece of your choice, 2-5 minutes in length. Should demonstrate technical skill and musicianship.
Recording due date/time: Friday, April 14, 2023 by 11:59pm
Audition Results announced: Friday, April 21
Tuition: $125 due April 28
Recording Directions and Submission Details:
- Video auditions do not need to be professional quality.
- Smartphones and similar recording devices are acceptable and encouraged.
- Stand facing the camera and at an appropriate distance from the recording device.
- Face and full instrument must be visible.
Audition music must be recorded in the sequence listed above. Students may record each section separately. No editing of videos is permitted. The videos must be compiled into one continuous video. No acoustic manipulation nor audio filters may be used. Videos should be uploaded to YouTube and must have visibility “unlisted” (not public or private) and titled Lastname_Firstname_Instrument. For example: Smith_John_cello
All students must paste the YouTube URL short link in the registration form and submit both the video and registration form by Friday, April 14, 2023 by 11:59pm. Audition Results announced: Friday, April 21.
After preparing it according to the instructions above, submit it by clicking “Perform With Us” or click here. Share your video link as you submit your form.
Friday, April 21
Wednesday, July 26 6:00-9:00pm
Thursday, July 27 6:00-8:00pm
Friday, July 28 6:00-8:00pm
Monday, July 31 6:00-8:00pm
Tuesday, August 1 6:00-8:00pm
Wednesday, August 2 – call time 5:30pm, concert 6pm
Rehearsals will be held at First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, 461 Pierson St. Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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.