Resources for Youth
Which Instrument is the Best?
Tuba video forthcoming
Instruments of the Orchestra
The String Section is by far the largest in the orchestra; including violin, viola, cello, bass, and harp. Watch these musicians move their bows across the strings, making sounds as soft as a trickling stream or as loud as a thunderstorm. The harp makes beautiful sounds by plucking or stroking the strings.
The instruments of the Woodwind Section (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and sometimes saxophone) are long and tube-like, with rows of holes, played by blowing into them, often with a reed. Woodwinds can sound light and airy, or dark and scary.
The Brass Section instruments (French horn, trumpet, trombone, and tuba) are long tubes of shiny gold metal, bent and twisted into shapes that make them easier to hold. These instruments boom and blare!
The Percussion Section has the greatest variety of instruments; snare drum, bass drum, gong, triangle, xylophone, timpani, and piano, among many others. They are played by being struck or shaken. Watch as these musicians move around to play many different instruments during a concert.
The Conductor helps the musicians all start and stop together, and guides them to play faster or slower, and louder or softer, as they perform each piece of music. The conductor also shows the character of the music to the orchestra players and to the audience through her gestures. The conductor plays a very important role in a symphony orchestra, even though the baton makes no sound!
Meet Our Youth Musicians
High School Musicians Perform with the DSO
Our featured musician for our summer Cantigny concert is percussionist Kyra McComb. “Percussion has always been my calling,” said McComb, “it’s a light inside me.” Kyra is a 2022 graduate of Downer’s Grove North High School and will pursue a music degree this fall at the Jacob’s School of Music at Indiana University, a prestigious and highly competitive music school. She will work toward earning a Bachelor of Science in Percussion Performance.
The DSO’s June 18 performance at Cantigny Park is Kyra’s first time performing with the DSO. “I’m excited to perform outdoors and get to see the audience’s reactions to the performance.”
Film favorites have top billing on the ‘Hollywood Heroes’ concert, performing popular themes from Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the flying theme from E. T. (The Extra-Terrestrial).
“I love the ‘Hollywood Heroes’ theme,” said McComb, “especially the Superman March, which I performed with the Chicago Youth Symphony. It gives out so much energy, no matter what instrument you play. It reminds me of my childhood.”
McComb is particularly eager to perform Wonder Woman and showcase a female superhero, as well as female protagonists in the To Kill a Mockingbird Suite and Jane Eyre Suite, also featured on the June 18 concert.
Highlighting women’s significant and often overlooked contributions to music is a prominent discussion for contemporary ensembles. “It’s inspiring to work with Maestra Barbara Schubert and I’m enjoying the experience. She gives advice to the percussion section on how to produce the sounds as she envisions them. It’s exciting to work with a female conductor; growing up, it helped me to know that conductors and percussionists can be female and it’s helping me to live my dream,” reported McComb. Under Maestra Schubert’s skilled direction, the DSO was honored as the Illinois Council of Orchestra’s Community Orchestra of the Year in 2021 and 2013.
Rehearsing with the DSO has helped Kyra prepare for a professional music career. “I’m just inspired! Getting to work with such amazing and experienced musicians has encouraged me so much already,” said McComb. “It’s not ‘here’s how to do this’ but directions like ‘make this sound more dry.’ Hearing suggestions from different perspectives helps me to create and explore different sounds.”
The DSO’s percussionists have enjoyed working with Kyra for this concert and find her to be hardworking and driven, with a bright future as a musician and educator. “My learning is never going to end!” said McComb.
We invite you to join the DuPage Symphony Orchestra and percussionist Kyra McComb for a high-spirited outdoor concert at beautiful Cantigny Park on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at 7:30 PM! Admission is free with paid parking ($10/vehicle).
“There are so many ways I can express myself with percussion instruments. I consider music to be my first language.”
Young Artists Auditions
69th Annual DuPage Symphony Orchestra | Young Artists Auditions Saturday, January 14, 2023
The DSO strives to encourage serious study and musical excellence among young musicians through its annual Young Artists Auditions. The audition experience is designed to be both educational and rewarding for the participants. All entrants will be evaluated by experienced judges and will receive written comments and suggestions based on their individual performances.
The First Place Winner will receive a cash award of $500.00 and the opportunity to appear as a soloist performing for 10-15 minutes with the DuPage Symphony Orchestra during the 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM “Our Talented Youth” concerts on Sunday, March 19, 2023. The Second Place Winner will receive $300.00 in cash.
Candide Videos
Open Rehearsals
Open Rehearsals are an ideal way to check out classical music, especially if you’re uncertain about committing to a concert. These 60-minute casual rehearsals are a great way to introduce children to the orchestra. Be sure to RSVP for our open rehearsals by clicking the date listed under “When can I attend?”
An Open Rehearsal is the final dress rehearsal before a concert, usually the Friday evening prior to a Saturday concert. You can expect to hear about half the music we’ve scheduled to play at the concert. This is a unique opportunity to see the orchestra at work in a casual setting. Maestra Schubert aims to perform entire individual works without stopping, but you’ll likely see her stop to make corrections and communicate with the musicians. This is a fun way to view the conductor/musician relationship and witness some of the nitty gritty of making impactful music.
Open Rehearsals are free and open to the public!
The Open Rehearsals are scheduled typically from 7:30-8:30 PM, without intermission.
From 8:30-9:00 PM, the orchestra takes a break to visit with patrons in the lobby. You’re encouraged to ask questions and share your comments with Maestra and the musicians- we love your feedback!
We offer complimentary desserts (usually brownies) and beverages for all attendees, graciously furnished by My Chef Catering, our In-Kind Sponsor.
Most Open Rehearsals feature a “Musical Instrument Petting Zoo” display by one of our sponsoring music stores. You will have a chance to hold and handle instruments, learn how to produce a sound, and ask instrument specialists how these instruments work.
Date: Thursday, May 11, at 7:30 pm
Location: Wentz Concert Hall
Vendor: PM Music Center
7:30-8:30 PM Rehearsal
8:30-9:00 PM Meet & Greet with Maestra and Guest Soloist Sarah Brailey; desserts; visit PM Music Center display
