Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras
ames G. Allen, Jr. is a dedicated and compassionate board member of the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra. He brings a wealth of experience from his diverse career and community involvement, contributing to our mission to create a community of young musicians, enrich their lives and those of their families, schools, communities, and beyond, through the study and performance of excellent music.
James lives in Elgin, Illinois, with his partner, Peter, and their nephew, William, whom they've helped raise since he was seven. He is an active member of his community, serving on various boards and participating in local initiatives.
He is a seasoned Flight Attendant for United Airlines, where he has been flying for 18 years. His career in the skies has honed his skills in communication, problem-solving, and customer service, which he applies to his duties at EYSO.
In addition to his role with United Airlines, James has been working as a Paralegal for the Law Offices of Andrew J. Sosnowski since June 2022. He dedicates most of his time with the firm to provide Pro Bono legal services alongside Volunteers of America Illinois, supporting their Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program. This experience has given him a deep understanding of the legal and social challenges many veterans face.
James graduated from Elgin Community College in December 2022 with an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal Studies. He graduated with high honors, boasting a 3.9 GPA, and was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. His time at Elgin Community College was marked by significant leadership roles, including serving as the 2021-2022 Student Trustee, 2020-2021 Vice President of Student Government, and 2021-2022 President of the Students Who Are Not Silent (SWANS), the LGBTQIA+ Student organization on campus.
His commitment to public service is further demonstrated by his internships, including a term at Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi's Schaumburg District Office in Fall 2021, where he assisted with constituent needs and put a special focus on housing insecurities. Following this, he interned at the Kane County State's Attorney's Office in the fall of 2022. There, he worked within the Drug and Domestic Violence units, supporting Assistant State’s Attorneys in handling multiple cases and trials.
In addition to his role at EYSO, James is a board member for Open Door Health Center of Illinois and a member of the Bright Futures Campaign Cabinet of the Elgin Community College Foundation.
James’s commitment to service, his passion for music, and his dedication to nurturing young talent make him an invaluable member of the EYSO board. His work within the Elgin community mirrors EYSO’s philosophy of comprehensive learning and critical thinking, and he is excited to continue fostering a space where young musicians can grow and thrive.
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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.