The University of Illinois Springfield Music Program and the Illinois Symphony Orchestra [ISO] have joined forces in a new Partnership in Education and Civic Engagement. The partnership is intended to enrich the cultural, educational, and career-training opportunities of UIS students, and to extend the reach of both organizations into the community. The UIS Music Program and the Illinois Symphony Orchestra share a longstanding commitment to engaging the arts to make positive change in the community. Guided by the shared values of quality education, engaged citizenship, and community involvement, the partnership will offer a host of opportunities for musical, cultural, and educational enrichment. Read more about how the UIS Music Program and the Illinois Symphony Orchestra join forces in a new Partnership in Education and Civic Engagement.

Education

As the largest professional orchestra in Central Illinois, the Illinois Symphony Orchestra brings a vital industry presence to campus. In addition to ongoing educational opportunities in arts management and music performance, UIS students will gain unique opportunities to apply their knowledge through experiential learning. Educational and career-building opportunities include:

• Arts Management Internships with the ISO and ISO Youth Programs
• Guest lectures, workshops, and masterclasses with ISO musicians and visiting guest artists
• The UIS Orchestra will be under the direction of the Assistant Conductor of the ISO
• The ISO Civic Orchestra merges with the UIS Orchestra
• Individual instrumental lessons with ISO musicians on select instruments
• Coaching opportunities with the ISO youth
• Side-by-side concerts with the ISO and ISO Youth Ensembles
• Free rehearsal and concert attendance at ISO concerts

Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement is central to the mission of the University of Illinois Springfield and of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. Both organizations are dedicated to engaging knowledge, time, and resources to create a positive impact on the community. Civic engagement initiatives of the Partnership include:

• Shared event programming:
  • lectures
  • masterclasses
  • concerts
• Side by side concerts between the UIS Orchestra and ISO Youth Ensembles
• Music Education Advocacy – Starter Strings and the UIS Community Music School
• UIS Camerata students guest coach ISO Youth Ensembles
• Community-based learning
• Service learning

THE ILLINOIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

"Our mission is to inspire our audiences through exceptional LIVE orchestral performances and programs."