Northern Illinois University

External Programs - Visual and Performing Arts

 

String and Orchestra Ensembles

CSA Symphonette - NEW TIME!

  • Ages 8 - 16 
  • 24 Tuesdays, 5 – 5:55 p.m., MB 157
  • September 15 – May 4, no rehearsals December 8 - January 26, March 9 and 23.  
  • The last fall rehearsal is December 1; spring rehearsals resume on  February 2.
  • Concerts: December 1 and May 4 at 6 p.m. in the Concert Hall.
  • On concert nights, the parking sign in the lot south of the Music Building (Lot 3) will be adjusted to allow free parking without a pass. 

This intermediate string orchestra is for students who have some ensemble experience. Take the basic elements of music theory, note reading and rhythm comprehension to the next level and learn to play fun and challenging repertoire. Have a great time with other string players and gain the experience needed for CSA Sinfonia. No auditions are required, but students are expected to be in Suzuki Books 3 through 6, or equivalent. 

NEW! First night picnic - September 15 – 6 p.m. Come meet the other members of the group on the day of the first rehearsal. Annie's Woods is the small park directly across from the north end of the Music Building on Lucinda Avenue. Bring a dish to pass and a frisbee. Parents are welcome.

NEW! Bring a Friend Day – February 2 – 5 – 5:55 p.m. The first rehearsal of the spring semester is open to any player who would like to experience the group. Members of Symphonette are encouraged to bring a friend that day, but anyone is allowed to attend this rehearsal. There is no fee and no obligation. We hope you’ll come back the following week to register for the semester.

Director: Linc Smelser
Fee: $202 (year)

CSA Sinfonia

  • Ages: 14 – 20
  • 27 Wednesdays, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., MB 155
  • September 2 - May 5; no rehearsal on November 4 and 25, December 16 -  January 13, and March 3 and 24.
  • The last fall rehearsal is December 9. Spring rehearsals resume on January 20.
  • Admission is by audition only; call to ask about openings in the 2009-2010 ensemble.
  • Concerts: October 28, February 24, and May 5, 7:30 p.m., Concert Hall
  • On concert nights, the parking sign in the lot south of the Music Building (Lot 3) will be adjusted to allow free parking without a pass.

String, wind, brass, and percussion players! Here's your chance to play masterpieces from the baroque, classical, and romantic periods, as well as well as from the 20th century, including popular music by Simon and Garfunkle and the Beatles. The music is fun and challenging.

Auditions for the 2010-2011 CSA Sinfonia – May 29 – 12 – 2 p.m. Be prepared to play two pieces in contrasting styles, no longer than five minutes total. Call (815) 753-1450 for details and a timeslot.

First night picnic - September 2 - 6 p.m. Come meet the other members of the group on the day of the first rehearsal. Annie's Woods is the small park directly across from the north end of the Music Building on Lucinda Avenue. Bring a dish to pass and a frisbee. Parents are welcome. The rehearsal begins at 7:30 p.m.

NEW! Bring a Friend Day – April 21 – 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. This rehearsal is open to any player who would like to experience the group. Members of Sinfonia are encouraged to bring a friend that day, but anyone is allowed to attend this rehearsal. There is no fee and no obligation. We hope you’ll be inspired to audition for the following year’s orchestra on May 29.

Director: Linc Smelser
Fee: $236 (year)

CSA Sinfonia Concerto Competition

The CSA Sinfonia Concerto Competition is for players of any instrument (including voice), who are 18 years old or younger and who live within a 45-mile radius of DeKalb. Competitors need not be in the CSA Sinfonia; those who win may not compete again on the same instrument. Auditions are November 30 beginning at 5 p.m. (new date and time). Players are expected to perform one memorized movement of a standard concerto or a work with orchestral accompaniment. Details and application forms are also available from the office. The receipt deadline for applications is November 2. The winner receives a prize of $200 and performs the concerto with the orchestra.

All Music Ensembles

Choral Ensemble

  • CSA Children's Choir

Jazz Ensembles

  • CSJazz Band

Other Ensembles

  • CSA Brass Ensemble
  • CSA Guitar Ensemble