ICO Strings@Allerton Symposium Archival Page

A hands on Illinois Council of Orchestras program for community orchestra musicians was the String Symposium weekend. It might have been the only program of its kind in the US sponsored by a state orchestra association. Community orchestra members met and spent the weekend in string chamber orchestra & chamber ensembles. Living and playing together for a joyous weekend, participants enjoyed music making, expert coachings, camaraderie, and good food. The weekend was designed to help community orchestra string players develop self-confidence, sight-reading skills, orchestral skills and improve their string techniques.

In 2007, the 21st annual workshop was held. The return rate for participants was very high. Of 23 musicians participating the year before, 20 returned. Several returning participants no longer lived in Illinois, but traveled each year from as far away as Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Tennessee, and Ohio to pursue the opportunities available at Strings @Allerton Symposiums. Single participants came and families attended. The group rejoiced in the annual progress of each player. Old friends renewed relationships, and new friends were welcomed into the group.

The ICO String Symposium partnered with the string faculty and the music outreach program from the University of Illinois. Faculty included UI Conductors Vermel, Ranney, Schleicher, and Bergonzi and joined by professional performers and regional teachers Georgia Hornbacker, violin, Robin Kearton, viola, Barbara Hedlund, 'cello Chicago Violin Maker William Harris Lee also joined us for the symposium. New enrollees were recruited by current or former participants. View photos on the Strings@Allerton Facebook page.

Update: After 26 years, the Strings@Allerton Symposium ended and became the Strings Festivals at Eureka College from 2012 through 2017. Festive reunions and music making never stopped! Maestro David Commanday and an impressive, virtuoso string faculty of Dr. Sarah Gentry, Jose Valencia, Linda Veleckis, Diane Wuthrich, Barbara Hedlund, & Margaret Briskin provided a unique chamber music& string orchestra programs on the beautiful, historic Eureka College campus. The pros coached, shared their experiences, played side by side with participants in the final string orchestra and chamber ensemble performances, plus performed faculty recitals.