MAUD POWELL STRING QUARTET
HANSON STRING QUARTET
STUDENT APPLICATION 2017-18
The Maud Powell String Quartet (MPSQ) and Hanson String Quartet (HSQ) offer an unparalleled opportunity for
advanced string players (high school and college age) to play chamber music at the highest level and work with some of
the finest artist teachers and chamber music coaches in the nation. As premiere Honors Chamber Ensembles of the
EYSO, these quartets maintain active and high profile performing schedules. Although the actual expense to participate
in an Honors Chamber Ensemble is over $2,100 per musician, the cost to each student is free. An Honors Chamber
Ensemble scholarship does not cover the cost of tuition for participation in the EYSO Youth Symphony. However, a
generous financial aid program is available for those who qualify.
MAUD POWELL STRING QUARTET (MPSQ)
Named for Maud Powell (1867-1920), America’s first international violin superstar (who, we’re proud to say, grew up in
Aurora, Illinois), this premier string quartet is coached by Gina DiBello, violinist in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Each year, the quartet works with a star-studded list of guest artists and coaches which have included Midori, Rachel
Barton Pine, Jaime Laredo, Isabella Lippi, Roland Vamos, Brant Taylor, Matthew Agnew and members of the Pacifica
and Jupiter Quartets. With an active rehearsal and performance schedule, the quartet has in recent years explored the
quartets of Beethoven, Mozart, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Dvořák, Ravel, and Shostakovich, and newer works, as well as
String Quartet No. 3 by renowned composer Daniel Brewbaker, written for and premiered by MPSQ. MPSQ is offered
tuition free each year since it was founded in 2007 through the generosity of EYSO patrons Ed and Joyce McFarland
Dlugopolski.
HANSON STRING QUARTET (HSQ)
This honors quartet for high-level string players was added to the EYSO Chamber Music Institute in
2010 and is named for the EYSO’s founding conductor Robert Hanson. HSQ maintains an active performance schedule.
The quartet is coached by cellist Timothy Archbold, who has performed with orchestras and string quartets throughout
the world. Recent repertoire includes quartets by Shostakovich, Grieg, Glass and Haydn. HSQ is offered tuition free to
its members.
MEMBERSHIP AND AUDITIONS
Participants are selected by competitive audition in June, and will also be members of the EYSO Youth Symphony for
the full 2017-18 season. The quartets meet up to several times a week (starting in August and ending in June) for
rehearsals, coachings, and performances. Some coachings and performances may involve travel to Chicago, DeKalb,
Madison (WI), or the greater Chicago area, and on occasion these opportunities may occur during school hours.
Students will be expected to make scheduling for these groups a priority.
The audition itself follows the same format as a regular audition for the EYSO Youth Symphony: scales, sight reading,
and a prepared solo (or several solos) of 3-5 minutes total, showing both your technical facility and expressive, lyrical
playing. These can be orchestral excerpts, or movements from concertos, sonatas, and other solo pieces. For more
details, see the 2017-18 Audition Information & Requirements page on EYSO.org.
PROCEDURE FOR AUDITIONING—Please Read Carefully
Returning members of the EYSO Youth Symphony, Maud Powell String Quartet, or Hanson String Quartet:
complete an online audition application for the Youth Symphony at http://audition.eyso.org. When prompted during the
application process, indicate you are auditioning for CMI Only. In the “auditions conflict” box please type MPSQ/HSQ
and pay the audition fee for current EYSO members ($35). After submitting the general online application, complete the
MPSQ/HSQ application (available on EYSO.org on your Member Login page) and submit it by sharing it as a Google
Doc with CMI Director Theresa Goh ([email protected]) by Monday, June 5, 2017. Once the application is received,
someone from the EYSO administrative office will call you to schedule your audition time on Wednesday, June 7, 2017.
Candidates new to the EYSO: complete an online audition application for the Youth Symphony at
http://audition.eyso.org. Choose an audition time during June 1-4, 2017, and remit the $45 audition fee for new
candidates. Next, complete the MPSQ/HSQ application (available under “Quick Links” at
https://www.eyso.org/members/) and submit it by sharing it as a Google Doc with CMI Director Theresa Goh
([email protected]) by Monday, June 5, 2017. Once your acceptance into the Youth Symphony has been confirmed,
someone from the EYSO administrative office will call you to schedule your audition time on Wednesday, June 7, 2017.
Members of the 2016-17 EYSO Philharmonia: the same procedure as above, but pay the audition fee for current
EYSO members ($35).
MAUD POWELL STRING QUARTET
HANSON STRING QUARTET
STUDENT APPLICATION 2017-18
Name__________________________________________________________________________________
Instrument_________________________________
Grade (Fall 2017)___________________
Address_______________________________________________________________________________
Street
City/State
Zip+4
Home Phone______________________________
Student Cell Phone ___________________________
Email Address_____________________________
Birth Date_____________________________
Private Instructor__________________________________
Phone_______________________________
Private Instructor’s Email Address____________________________________________________________
I am available for a final audition/interview on June or 7, 2017 Yes q No q
PLEASE ATTACH A BRIEF ESSAY OUTLINING YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE FOLLOWING POINTS:
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What personal and musical characteristics make you a good candidate for an honors chamber ensemble?
What do you hope to gain from playing in an ensemble of this caliber?
What distinguishes you from other talented musicians your age?
What will be your most valuable contributions to the group?
What are your future musical goals? Do you currently or do you intend to study music in college?
Feel free to include other details about your chamber music experience, your future goals, and other relevant personal
information. You may also attach a personal resume outlining some of your musical and personal accomplishments.
Letters of recommendation from those who can speak of your musical or personal attributes are welcome.
We have read and understand the process for auditioning. We understand that commitment to the Maud Powell
String Quartet or Hanson String Quartet is for the entire 2017-18 season and will involve a significant commitment
to weekly rehearsals and performances. We understand there may be some travel expense associated with
occasional coachings and performances in Chicago, DeKalb, Madison (WI), or the greater Chicago area.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Student Signature
Date
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Parent Signature
Date