Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras
Anthony Riani lives in Geneva and is the proud father of two EYSO alums; Anaka played trumpet and Rebecca played violin. Anthony spent most of his career in the print industry but has loved music since his own school days. He started the trombone in fifth grade (although his first choice would have been trumpet) and played in a band, marching band, solo ensemble, and musical pit orchestras. During Anaka’s second EYSO season, Anthony decided that he would stay and watch rather than drop off his girls at rehearsal. More and more fascinated with the EYSO approach—encouraging curiosity, imagination, critical thinking, and collaboration (which he admits was different than his own musical experience as a kid)—he had an idea. Why not use his skills as a videographer to provide the conductors with a weekly video of their rehearsal, to review and use to plan the following week? For the last 7 seasons, Anthony has faithfully video-recorded not only every rehearsal but every concert.
After the MOVE season was partially shut down due to the pandemic, he developed the concert live stream protocols to enable EYSO students to share music with their families and supporters, even when in-person audiences weren't possible. Live streaming has since become a staple of the EYSO concert experience.
EYSO conductors have appreciated this tremendous resource, but even more, they have appreciated Anthony’s dependability, flexibility, generosity of time, and ever-cheerful “Yes, we can!” attitude.
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Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras
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The Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras has a national reputation for providing not only an engaging musical experience for its students, but also a comprehensive learning environment which promotes curiosity, imagination, critical thinking, and collaboration. With six large ensembles, three small ensembles, and a thriving Chamber Music Institute, EYSO auditions record numbers of students each year in addition to the hundreds of musicians who already enjoy its rigorous methods of inquiry and "expert noticing." Under the leadership of Artistic Director Matthew Sheppard, a leader in music education, the students of EYSO explore a comprehensive curriculum each season—one which aims not only to help these students develop artistically and technically, but also to prepare them for a future of complex ideas, creative risk-taking, and leadership as global citizens. The dynamic and engaging rehearsals foster musical and personal growth as students develop into well-rounded and thoughtful communicators, and leaders in their sections, ensembles, schools, and communities. This thoughtful and attentive approach that is the hallmark of EYSO has led hundreds of alumni to successful careers as professional musicians, educators, and leaders in every field. It’s what we call “educating the whole musician”: preparing our students for a lifelong journey of inquiry, creativity and growth. Regardless of our alumni’s pursuits, their EYSO experience as a valued member of a thought-provoking, fair, and encouraging creative environment continues to serve them well. The Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras would not exist today without the generous support of families, audience members, and donors. Your sponsorship of EYSO inspires artistry, confidence, and curiosity in hundreds of young musicians in the Chicago area. To learn more about the pedagogical approach that EYSO conductors and coaches use in delivering the EYSO mission please visit the Illinois Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance (CMP) page.