The Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra Brass Choir will perform with the Fulcrum Point New Music Project at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25, in First Congregational Church, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. In addition to the concert, a free Master Class will be offered there at noon.
  
Fulcrum Point was born in 1998, when Stephen Burns, artistic director and trumpeter, was asked to create innovative new music programs by Performing Arts Chicago. Today, Fulcrum Point is a critically acclaimed ensemble that performs contemporary classical musical.
 
The mission of Fulcrum Point New Music Project is to champion new classical music and highlight contemporary composers who are inspired and influenced by popular culture, including literature, film, dance, folk, rock, jazz, blues, Latin and world music. Through multi-disciplinary concert performances and educational programs, Fulcrum Point seeks to explore the marriage of classical music and popular culture. The concerts are designed to encourage audiences to make cross-cultural connections and gain greater insight into today’s diverse world. Visit www.fulcrumpoint.org.
 
Performing with professional groups is just one of the many benefits of being a member of the EYSO, said Executive Director Kathy Matthews of St. Charles, noting the concert and Master Class are a good introduction to the EYSO organization for parents or teachers who have students interested in music performance. EYSO students have the opportunity to travel, as well as study and perform with professional musicians.
 
The EYSO is an in-residence ensemble at Elgin Community College. Young musicians with a desire to grow, play better and to think and feel more deeply about music are invited to audition for the 2009-10 season. The annual, open auditions are private and held at ECC. Since 1976, the EYSO has been challenging and inspiring an ever-widening circle of young musicians. Today, the EYSO is the largest and oldest youth orchestra in northwest Illinois.
 
Auditions will be held from May 28 to 31. Students who will begin fourth grade in the fall to college students may audition for a seat in one of the five ensembles. Applications and audition requirements may be found at www.eyso.org or by calling the EYSO office at (847) 841-7700.
 
Tickets for the 2:30 p.m. Brass Concert with Fulcrum Point can be purchased at the college’s box office in its Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, by phone at (847) 622-0300 or online at www.elgin.edu/arts. They cost $21, $16 for seniors, and $12 for students. Advance purchase is recommended, because concerts often sell out.

The Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra is home to four orchestras and a brass choir with nearly 300 students from 60 communities. The program is partially supported by grants from the Palmer Foundation, the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission and Illinois Arts Council.