Chicago Youth in Music Festival
The Chicago Youth in Music Festival is an annual celebration of young people who are passionate about symphony orchestras. At the core of the festival are three, day-long convenings that bring together over 300 students from Chicago Public Schools and community youth orchestra programs to play on stage in Orchestra Hall with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.
The 2027 Festival takes place throughout the month of April in Chicago with many activities taking place at Chicago Symphony Center.
CPS Band Convening
On Thursday, April 8, 125 CPS high school band students join Civic Orchestra members for a day of side-by-side rehearsals on stage in Orchestra Hall. The participating schools are King College Prep, Lincoln Park High School, Lindblom Math & Science Academy, Mather High School and Northside College Prep. The conductor for this program is Erica Neidlinger, Associate Professor and conductor of the Wind Symphony at DePaul University.
In addition, the side-by-side ensemble welcomes members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to perform in the final rehearsal of the day.
Students participating in both CPS convenings will receive over 300 visits from Civic Mentors throughout the winter as part of the Negaunee Music Institute’s Connect School Partnership Program.
CPS String Orchestra Convening
On Friday, April 9, 125 Chicago Public Schools string orchestra students from five partner high schools convene for side-by-side rehearsals with musicians from the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. The participating schools are Amundsen High School, Kenwood Academy, Lincoln Park High School, Mather High School and Northside College Prep. The conductor for this program is Kenny Lee, Assistant Professor and Director of Orchestral Studies at the University of Iowa.
In addition, the side-by-side ensemble welcomes members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to perform in the final rehearsal of the day.
Students participating in both CPS convenings will receive over 300 visits from Civic Mentors throughout the winter as part of the Negaunee Music Institute’s Connect School Partnership Program.
Community Youth Orchestra Convening
On Saturday, April 10, students from community youth orchestras come together for side-by-side rehearsals and activities with the Civic Orchestra. The participating programs are The People’s Music School and Sistema Ravinia.
Past Chicago Youth in Music Festivals
Watch these short videos about past Youth in Music Festivals:
Sponsors
The Chicago Youth in Music Festival is generously sponsored by Megan and Steve Shebik and by Michael and Linda Simon.