Youth Orchestra

Since 1962, the Philharmonic Youth Orchestra has been a dynamic ensemble providing orchestral experience for young musicians across the Metro-East area. Youth Orchestra members range in age from those just gaining proficiency to high school students. College students may serve as musician mentors. While the Belleville Philharmonic Youth Orchestra expects regular attendance at rehearsals and concerts, we recognize that school music programs take priority!

The purpose of the Belleville Philharmonic Youth Orchestra is to:

• Provide quality music and performance opportunities for young musicians throughout the Metro-East area.
• Offer young people the ability to expand their musical competence by performing in a full orchestral setting.
• Inspire students with a love of music.
• Encourage and challenge their talent to promote a desire to go beyond what is comfortable and achieve what is possible.
• Make available an extracurricular music program that complements local school band and music programs.

Auditions for the 2024-2025 season will be held on Saturday, August 24th, from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Monday, August 26th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For more details on the audition requirements and to sign up for your audition slot, go to https://tinyurl.com/2d4a5dx8. Auditions can be scheduled throughout the year on rehearsal nights. Rehearsals for the new season start on Monday, September 9th. Fees are $75 for one family member and $60 if you have additional family members. Musicians joining after December pay a prorated amount of $50.

Meet the Conductor – Chris Gass

About Chris Gass: A former Philharmonic and Youth Orchestra member, Chris has over 14 years of music education experience. He currently serves as the Music Director at Freeburg Community High School, where he has successfully expanded the program by an impressive 30%. Before this, Chris served as the Director of Orchestras at Quincy Senior High School, where his Concert Orchestra had the honor of performing at the renowned Carnegie Hall in New York City. During his time in Quincy, he also took on the role of the ILMEA District IV Orchestra Chair. .

Academic Achievements: Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from McKendree University and a Master of Arts in Education from Lindenwood University. He furthered his studies in conducting at the University of Illinois, where he served as the Guy M. Duker Fellow Graduate Teaching Assistant with the University of Illinois Bands. Currently, he is pursuing a Master of Arts in Education Administration.

Professional Affiliations: Chris is an active member of several music and educational associations, including the Illinois Music Educators Association, the National Association for Music Education, the League of American Orchestras, the Illinois Education Association, and the Illinois Principals Association. Chris Gass resides in O’Fallon, Illinois, with his wife, Sarah and their three children.

Youth Orchestra CALENDAR