Chicago Youth in Music Festival
The Chicago Youth in Music Festival is an annual celebration of young people who are passionate about symphony orchestras. The 2026 Festival takes place throughout April at Symphony Center and across the city of Chicago.
CPS Band Convening
On Monday, April 6, 125 CPS high school band students join Civic Members for a day of side-by-side rehearsals on stage in Orchestra Hall. The participating schools are King College Prep, Lincoln Park High School, Lindblom Math & Science Academy, Mather High School and Northside College Prep.
Students participating in both CPS convenings will receive over 250 visits from Civic Mentors throughout the winter as part of the NMI’s Connect School Partnership Program.
CPS String Orchestra Convening
On Friday, April 10, 125 Chicago Public Schools string orchestra students from five partner high schools convene for side-by-side rehearsals with musicians from the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. The participating schools are Amundsen High School, Kenwood Academy, Lincoln Park High School, Mather High School and Northside College Prep.
Students participating in both CPS convenings will receive over 250 visits from Civic Mentors throughout the winter as part of the NMI’s Connect School Partnership Program.
Community Youth Orchestra Convening
On Saturday, April 11, students from community youth orchestras come together for side-by-side rehearsals and activities with the Civic Orchestra. The participating programs are Chicago Metamorphosis Orchestra Project, The People’s Music School and Sistema Ravinia.
CSO Masterclass Series
To engage Chicago’s most advanced young musicians, the NMI will present a series of masterclasses led by CSO musicians for students from the Merit School of Music, Music Institute of Chicago, Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative and The People’s Music School. These masterclasses will be hosted at each partner’s site across the city throughout the month of April.
2025 Chicago Youth in Music Festival
Watch these short videos about past Youth in Music Festivals:
Sponsors
The Chicago Youth in Music Festival is generously sponsored by Megan and Steve Shebik and by Michael and Linda Simon.