Encore Wind Symphony Jr.

May 26, 27, 29, 30
6:30-8:30pm

Conductor: Jeff Crylen

Crave a challenge? Love playing exciting music?  Play with EMA’s Encore Wind Symphony’s Jr. Band directed by Jeff Crylen.

Perform with us!

Join us this Summer 2025!

Placement is competitive and open to band students entering 7th-9th* grade. Available openings will be filled by returning musicians from last summer (no audition necessary.) Remaining spots will be filled by teacher recommendation.  If you would like to be recommended, share this link with your private or school band teacher.

For 10th*-graduating seniors, please see Encore Wind Symphony.

*If your student is entering 9th grade and would like to be considered for the senior band, the student can submit a 2-3 minute video showcasing their musical and technical abilities. See FAQ’s about how to submit the video.

What is the cost to join EWS?

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.

Learn more about Financial Assistance

2025 Performance: May 31 @ 11am
Location: First Congregational Church
461 Pierson Street
Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Frequently Asked Questions

Students are accepted by invitation to Encore Wind Symphony Jr. based on openings in the section and teacher recommendation. If you are interested in joining:
1. Have your teacher submit a recommendation form by 4/1/25. No audition is necessary.
2. If you do not have a teacher to recommend you, then you should submit your own recommendation form by 4/1/25. No audition is necessary.
New students will be notified of acceptance by 4/7/25.
Registration deadline is 4/21/25.

New students will be placed by invitation and teacher nomination.

Encore Wind Symphony Jr. – entering grades 7 – 9

Encore Wind Symphony Sr. – entering grades 10-12 and recently graduated seniors

Submit a 2-3 minute video showcasing your musical and technical abilities via this link: Perform with us | Encore Music Academy

Returning students from EWS Jr., who are entering 9th grade: videos due 2/22/2025.

New students entering 9th grade: videos due 4/14/25.

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.
  • No editing of videos is permitted.
  • 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_oboe

All students must paste the YouTube URL short link in the Perform with us | Encore Music Academy

Returning students from the 2024 summer are invited to register by 3/1/2025 to secure their spot. No Audition is necessary. Summer Tuition is $125.

Principal Chair Auditions are optional. Video Submission due 4/28/25.

Audition Requirements: please submit a 2-3 minute video of a piece that best displays your musical and technical abilities.
Submit audition via this link: Perform with us | Encore Music Academy

Audition Results announced: 5/12/25

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.
  • No editing of videos is permitted.
  • 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_oboe

All students must paste the YouTube URL short link in the Perform with us | Encore Music Academy

Principal Chair Auditions are optional. Only 9th graders interested in being considered for the senior Encore Wind Symphony should submit an audition video.

After preparing it according to the instructions above, submit it by clicking here.

Share your video link as you submit your form.

Returning current 7th/8th graders will automatically be invited to EWS Jr.

Returning current 8th graders who want to be considered for senior band should submit audition by 2/22

Returning students register by 3/1 to reserve spot

New students may be nominated until 4/1

Acceptance letters will be sent out by 4/7

Rehearsals 6:30-8:30pm
Monday, May 26
Tuesday, May 27
Thursday, May 29
Friday, May 30

Performance
Saturday, May 31
Call time 10am
Concert 11am

Yes, need-based financial aid is available to all families and individuals. We believe that music is an integral part of everyone’s life. Learn more about Financial Assistance.

Encore Wind Symphony