CICO

Begun in 1970 to address the need for further orchestral opportunities in the Central Illinois area, the Central Illinois Concert Orchestra provides a full symphonic experience for intermediate middle and high school players. They perform challenging repertoire , while refining orchestral technique. CICO is designed as a preparatory group for the Youth Symphony as well as being a fine youth orchestra in its own right.

CICO Orchestra Conductor Philip Rudd...

...began his musical career on the violin, at the age of 10. He studied violin and cello in Wheaton, Illinois, before attending Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. He graduated summa cum laude in 2005, earning a Bachelor's degree in Instrumental Music Education. Mr. Rudd has studied conducting under Dr. Glenn Block and Dr. Victor Yampolsky.

In addition to his engagement with the Central Illinois Concert Orchestra, Mr. Rudd also serves as a Master Teacher in the ISU String Project, a community orchestra program for elementary and junior-high school students in the Bloomington-Normal area. He is also the Assistant Conductor of the Illinois State University Symphony Orchestra.

Conductors Notes

A Letter from the CICO Conductor,
Philip Rudd

Greetings to all CICO students and families!

My name is Philip Rudd, and I am looking forward to beginning work as your new conductor! I am very excited to have the opportunity to make beautiful music this year with such wonderful young musicians. This program is recognized widely as one of the top youth orchestra programs in the state, and it will be my honor to offer my skills and efforts, in order to help this orchestra continue to improve and excel. As you may know, I am currently working hard in pursuit of a Master's degree in orchestral conducting at Illinois State University. Before my time at ISU, however, I worked full-time as a public school orchestra director at the junior high level. This summer, I have been spending most of my time teaching private string lessons, studying music and German, attending conducting workshops and lessons, practicing violin and piano, and training for a half-marathon in September. As enjoyable as all of this has been, I am anxious to meet all of the CICO students and begin our musical life together. I am currently finalizing our repertoire for the first concert, and I look forward to sharing some truly wonderful music with you this year. I always enjoy working with students very much, and I am thrilled to have this chance to continue the wonderful tradition of the Central Illinois Concert Orchestra. As always, please feel free to contact me at any time with any questions or comments you may have.
Musically yours,
Philip Rudd, Concert Orchestra

Tuition

The tuition for the 2009-2010 season for CICO is $300.00 per year. This is payable in two installments. The first installment is due in June at time of notificaion of acceptance and the second installment is due in September when rehearsals begin.