Youth Programs

Each year, IPO presents multiple side-by-side performances that are perfect for all ages, designed to introduce young students to the wonders of the orchestra. For some, this may even be the first time that students are exposed to the magical world of classical music! Recommended for all ages, K-12.

Choose from several exciting and enjoyable small ensemble configurations, designed to introduce students to the instruments of the orchestra in a more intimate setting. Students of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy a visit from IPO musicians to their schools in a performance of engaging classical repertoire. Available ensembles include string quartets, brass quintets, or woodwind quintets. Recommended for students in 3rd-8th grade.

IPO musicians visit local schools to lead rehearsals and demonstrate impressive skills to students. Students have the opportunity to ask questions about instrumental technique and pursuing a professional career in music. Recommended for students in 5th-12th grade.

IPO partners with high school orchestras throughout the Chicago Southland by sending Music Director Stilian Kirov to lead rehearsals with students, working on technique and developing musicianship. Students also participate in a question and answer session following the rehearsal.

IPO offers students in grades 9-12 the opportunity to learn directly from professional musicians in individualized sectional rehearsals. Schools may elect to culminate coachings in side-by-side performances that include IPO musicians.

Each year the IPO welcomes a variety of internationally-acclaimed guest artists to share the stage with the orchestra. Many guests are willing to visit area schools to perform, provide masterclasses, and answer student questions. Recommended for grades 9-12.

The Rising Star Showcase is a competitive performance program designed to offer talented music students from Chicago’s South Suburbs a chance to perform before a live audience. Past recipients have gone on to great musical success, including maintaining active professional careers in music and securing collegiate scholarships in the arts. Click here for more information.

Throughout the season, IPO features groups prior to the start of the performance in the concert’s lobby.

Recent past groups have included: Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Academy, Chicago Southland College Prep, VanderCook College of Music’s String Ensemble, Lincoln-Way Youth Singers, Homewood-Flossmoor Trombone Ensemble, Rich Township (District 277) High School’s Jazz Combo, Northern Illinois University Jazz Combos, Spectrum Youth Singers, Hinsdale Middle School Harp Ensemble, Homewood-Flossmoor’s String Orchestra, Homewood-Flossmoor’s Chamber Ensemble, Voices in Plainfield, Bloom High School (Chicago Heights, IL), and the Suburban Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Each year, downtown Park Forest invites families to enjoy a fun and secure Halloween experience filled with candy, costumes, and community spirit. Children can go trick-or-treating through downtown businesses, climb aboard public works and fire vehicles during Touch A Truck, and enjoy food from local vendors and the Park Forest Farmers Market. You may even spot some IPO musicians, staff, and volunteers joining in for some spooky fun with local children, families and area residents.

IPO is proud to be a strategic partner of the Suburban Youth Symphony Orchestra (SYSO). Together, we are committed to partnering on multiple levels to ensure that the Chicago Southland community flourishes through music.

Each spring, IPO musicians act as SYSO chamber group coaches, rehearsing with students weekly leading up to the Hearts and Roses concert. IPO musicians also perform side-by-side with SYSO students through the Incredible Opportunity Program, serving beginner string students in the Glenwood schools.