Additional Music Opportunities

It is highly encouraged for students to engage in musical opportunities outside of our school band program. It is an excellent way for students to continue to grow musically! These groups also are a great place for students to meet musicians from other schools and make new friends through music. Please keep in mind that if you participate in out-of-school music organizations, that PG performances do override performances for these groups - please be sure to check performance dates before committing to multiple groups!

Below is a list of some additional musical opportunities available to middle school students. This list is not exhaustive, but should help with beginning your search for additional places for music-making!

  • Crystal Lake Strikers - Crystal Lake

      • Fantastic percussion-based organization with several programs for different age levels, including the StrikeForce and Girls on the Drum.

  • Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras (EYSO) - Elgin

      • Some of the ensembles part of MCYO include woodwinds, brass, and percussion, so don't be thrown off by orchestra! A wonderful opportunity for students to be involved in a type of ensemble that they otherwise would not get to be a part of in junior high. EYSO ensembles meet on Sundays.

  • Encore Music Academy (EMA) Youth Orchestra - Crystal Lake

      • Some of the ensembles part of MCYO include woodwinds, brass, and percussion, so don't be thrown off by orchestra! A wonderful opportunity for students to be involved in a type of ensemble that they otherwise would not get to be a part of in junior high.

  • Merit School of Music - Chicago

      • Excellent music program that meets on Saturdays, with multiple music offerings to students. Students can be involved in concert band, jazz band, small group ensembles, and even take other music classes such as music composition, music theory, or music history!

  • Midwest Young Artists (MYA) - Highwood

      • Excellent and highly renowned music program that meets during the weekend with offerings that will appeal to all band students! Students can focus on classical and/or jazz music in MYA.

  • Potts & Pans - Woodstock

      • Great opportunity for percussionists, but is open to anybody!