Membership Information

Tuition Information

Tuition Structure

*Starting this season, the general membership fee and retreat fee will be consolidated into a one-time tuition payment, invoiced in early August. Tuition may be paid in one, two, or three equal installments.

    1. General Membership Fee​​

• Covers administrative expenses (Facility rental, staff salaries, event expenses, sheet music, etc.)

    2. Annual Retreat Fee

• Covers individual expenses for mandatory annual retreat
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2024/25 Season Tuition Rates (August – May)

• Midwest String Orchestra: $605

• Midwest Philharmonic Orchestra: $690

• Midwest Chamber Orchestra: $750

   

   + Annual Retreat: $240 (for all students)

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Invoices are disbursed in early August via email. 

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Payment Methods

Check/Cash:

One time payments are highly encouraged.

However, financing is available:

• Two equal installments +$10 fee on each payment

  • Ex. MSO: $432.50​ per payment, owing $865 in total

Installments due dates are as follows:

• 1st Payment: Originally invoiced due date 

• 2nd Payment: Original + 4 weeks

 

Financing Policies:​

• Financing is only available to students who join from the first rehearsal of the fall cycle

• Refunds:

  • In the case of withdrawal from the program before the third rehearsal, 30% of the total invoiced amount (incl. financing fees) will be non-refundable, resulting in the following refund amounts:

    • Midwest String Orchestra​

      • $179 refundable​

    • Midwest Philharmonic Orchestra

      • $196 refundable ​

    • Midwest Chamber Orchestra

      • $208 refundable​​

  • In the case of withdrawal from the program after the third rehearsal, no refunds will be given.​

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Payments can be handed to an MPO staff member directly (recommended for cash) or mailed to the office:

115 W. Central Road, Schaumburg, IL 60195

Please address mail to Midwest Philharmonic Orchestra.

Checks should be made payable to Midwest Philharmonic Orchestra. Please include the student's name in the check memo. 

 

Credit/Debit:

Card payments are available for a 3.3% processing fee on the total payment amount. Please contact the office for card payments. 

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Refund Policy

Seventy percent of the full tuition will be refunded for withdrawals before the third rehearsal.

There are no refunds past the third rehearsal.

There are no make-up sessions, credits, or refunds for missed rehearsals. 

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Rehearsal Information

Rehearsal Locations 

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

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Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel, Elmhurst University

190 S. Prospect Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126

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Rehearsals

There are approximately 10 rehearsals per concert. Rehearsals are held on Sundays, with some exceptions adjusting to holidays. 

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Rehearsal Time

Midwest String Orchestra: 1:15-2:45 PM
Midwest Philharmonic Orchestra: 3:00-5:30 PM
Midwest Chamber Orchestra: 5:45-6:30 PM
Rehearsal times may be revised throughout the season and will be communicated with all members. 

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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)

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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.

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Performances

There are 3 annual concerts in November, February, and May, as well as additional events held throughout the season. (TBA)

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Concert Tours

The MPO tours nationally or internationally every few years 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

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Click here for more info

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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

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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.