
A Nationally Recognized Youth Orchestra, Right Here In Your Community.
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Why Join MPO?
Top 3 reasons why MPO is the orchestra for you.
1.
The MPO is a recipient of the
American Prize in Orchestral Performance,
naming it one of the top youth community orchestras in the United States.

2.
At MPO, all ages, not just high school students, are welcome which allows for a unique, diverse, and collaborative environment.
3.
We offer competitive tuition costs to serve
any and all students interested in the Chicagoland.

And the list goes on...
Join us this fall to be part of a
life-changing experience.
Applying is just as easy as 1, 2, 3!
Step 1
Fill out your online MPO application below.
Step 2
Record and upload your audition videos.
(See audition requirements below.)
Step 3
Just click submit and you are set!
Submissions are due by
Fri. July 1, 2022, at 11:59 PM CT (extended)
Now Announcing The 2022-23 Season!
Celebrating 15 years of MPO!
Season activities to look forward to include:
-LA Int'l Music Festival & Tour, Walt Disney Concert Hall
-Overnight Retreat at Elmhurst University
-Masterclasses By Professional Musicians
...and more!

Fall 2022 Audition Requirements
New membership auditions for Fall 2022 are currently being held virtually.
Applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis until July 1, 2022, 11:59 CT. (extended)
Scales
[Winds and Brass] All 12 major scales.
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Click here to see your instrument's required scales.
[Strings] Scales in three (or two) octaves. Please play 80 to 120 per quarter note with separate bows. Please refer to your required scales:
Midwest String Orchestra Scales (Two scales of choice)
Midwest Philharmonic Orchestra & Core Members (One scale of choice, one required)
Repertoire
[Winds and Brass] Two contrasting solos, movements or etudes. No accompaniment needed.
[Strings] A solo piece that shows the candidate’s techniques, musical interpretation and musicianship. No accompaniment needed. Please see chart below:
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Midwest String Orchestra (For all strings): A solo piece or passage that includes up to 3rd (or 5th) position.
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Midwest Philharmonic Orchestra (For all strings): A solo piece or passage that includes up to 5th (or higher) position.
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Core Members:
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Violin: W.A. Mozart Concerto No. 4 or 5, or something equivalent
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Viola: C. Stamitz Concerto in D, or something equivalent
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Cello: Haydn Concerto in C or D, or something equivalent
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Bass: A standard concert piece
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There is NO sight-reading required.
After The Audition
Participants will receive permission to join after the audition.
For any questions regarding the audition process, please contact us at info@midphil.org.
Most Recent Recording
Russian Spectacular Concert
November 22, 2021
Hemmens Cultural Center, Elgin