Northern Illinois University
College of Visual and Performing Arts
Office of External Programs

If you're a string, wind, brass or percussion player aged 14-20, join us to rehearse and perform exciting and challenging orchestral music. You'll play original masterpieces by Dvorak, Tchaikovsky, Beethoven and others. You'll also play 20th-century music, sometimes including popular classics by Led Zeppelin and the Beatles. The Sinfonia performs fall and spring concerts in Boutell Memorial Concert Hall.

The CSA Sinfonia began in 1993 as a middle school string ensemble directed by the late Arthur Montzka. Linc Smelser became director in 1996. In 1999, the string ensemble became a full high school orchestra.

Auditions

Admission to Sinfonia is by audition only. Auditions for the 2026-2027 Sinfonia will be held May 23, 2026, in the Music Building, rooms 157 and 161, starting at 11 a.m.

Audition requirements:

• Two scales, one major, one minor of at least two octaves
• Two contrasting pieces, slow and fast
• Possible sight-reading

Audition Sign-up Form

Fall 2025 and Spring 2026

View the full rehearsal schedule (XLSX).

Dates: Wednesdays, Sept. 3, 2025 – May 6, 2026. (No rehearsals Nov. 26, Dec. 11 through Jan. 27, and Mar. 25.)
Time: 6:30-9 p.m.
Location: Music Building, Room 155
Fee: $380 annually
Director: Linc Smelser

Register

Concerts

Dec. 10, 2025, at 7:30 p.m., Concert Hall

May 6, 2026, at 7:30 p.m., Concert Hall

Other Events

Bring-a-Friend Day: Our second spring rehearsal is open to any interested high school musician, free of charge. Current ensemble members are encouraged to bring a friend, and anyone may attend. Visiting musicians should bring their instruments and be prepared to sight-read.

Concerto Competition

Sinfonia holds an annual concerto competition. The winner receives a $200 prize and performs on the concert hall stage with Sinfonia at the May concert.

Learn more about the Concerto Competition.