Tuition & Rehearsals

Tuition Information

2023/24 Season Tuition Rates (August – May)

Midwest String Orchestra: $585
Midwest Philharmonic Orchestra: $670
Midwest Chamber Orchestra: $730

Tuition Details

Our tuition covers administrative costs including venue rental, staff salaries, operational expenses, etc.
This fee does not include tours or retreats. Our annual retreat will be billed separately.
Upon acceptance into the program, an invoice will be sent via email.

Refund Policy

Seventy percent of the paid tuition will be refunded for withdrawals before the third rehearsal. There are no make-up sessions, credits, or refunds for missed rehearsals.

Rehearsal Information

Rehearsal Locations

Midwest Conservatory of Music – Orchestra Room
115 W. Central Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60195

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church

930 W Higgins Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60195

Rehearsals

There are approximately 10 rehearsals per concert. Rehearsals are held on Sundays.

Rehearsal Time

Midwest String Orchestra: Sunday early afternoon
Midwest Philharmonic Orchestra: Sunday afternoon
Midwest Chamber Orchestra Sunday evening
Rehearsal times will be announced per season.

Attendance Policy

Attendance will be taken upon arrival at each rehearsal via sign-in. It is the student's responsibility to sign-in at every rehearsal.
Students should arrive at least 10 minutes prior to posted rehearsal time.
Students are required to attend all rehearsals with the exception of 1 excused absence with a minimum 12 hour advanced notice per semester.
A second excused absence will be based on the music director's discretion. Any other excused absences will result in termination of membership for the rest of the season.
All unexcused absences will be investigated and result in termination of membership for the rest of the season.
Attendance for all dress rehearsals, soundchecks, and concerts are absolutely mandatory for all members. An unexcused absence from a concert will result in termination for all succeeding seasons and may result in being billed for the cost of a substitute musician. (~$300)

Concert Information

Repertoire

We cover the most splendid array of pieces from Baroque, classical, romantic to contemporary classical music which over the years has captured the heart of music lovers. Members enjoy performing the music and naturally learn a variety of music styles and technical playing methods, as well as each era’s historic musical background.

Performances

There are 2 annual concerts; fall and spring,

as well as additional smaller concerts throughout the season. (TBA)

Concert Tours

The MPO tours nationally or internationally every other year in the summer.
2015- Detroit
2017- Vienna and Salzburg, Austria
2018- Carnegie Hall, New York
2020- Prague, Bratislava and Budapest (cancelled due to COVID-19)

2023- Los Angeles International Music Festival at Walt Disney Concert Hall

Click here for more info

Concert Dress Code

MEN: Black tuxedo/suit with white dress shirt, black bow tie. Black dress shoes with black socks

WOMEN: All-black concert attire. Black dress shoes, black socks, stockings or tights

Musician’s Photographs

Occasionally photographs of the MPO musicians are used in the Midwest Philharmonic Orchestra and Midwest Conservatory of Music’s publications and other media. Through enrollment in the Midwest Philharmonic Orchestra, the musician accepts the use of their photographs in these materials unless otherwise stated.