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 Melissa Siebenthal...

... is an alumna of the CIYS and a 1993 graduate of Peoria's Manual High School, where she was valedictorian. She received a Music Education Degree graduating Summa Cum Laude, from Illinois Wesleyan University, where she studied conducting with Stephen Eggleston. She has been conducting and teaching music for Joliet and Elk Grove Township High School Districts for the last two years. She currently is director of orchestras for Normal Community High School, Normal, IL and plays with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra.

Conductors Notes

A Letter from the CICO Conductor,
Melissa Siebenthal

Greetings CICO Musicians and Parents, Welcome to the 2007-2008 Concert Orchestra season! I sincerely hope that all of you have had a delightfully restful summer and have "recharged your batteries." I imagine we are both a little torn right now between our longings for the summer to linger just a little longer and the anticipation and excitement that a new school year brings. For the Siebenthal household, this summer has been unlike anything we have ever experienced. As many of you know, my husband and I welcomed our first child, Luke Michael, into the world about this time last season. So this summer has been one of first teeth & haircuts, crawling, Cheerios, baby proofing, swimming lessons, and of course, one very giggly baby! Fortunately, the video camera is more worn out than the parents…

As the new season approaches, I would again like to take this opportunity to give my yearly reminder to students about developing their time management skills. Organize and set goals for your practice sessions. This will help you make sure to incorporate not only your solo/technical studies, but school and CICO music as well. Please make sure to spend a lesson or two with your private teacher working on the music for our ensemble. As a former CICO/CIYS musician myself, I remember all too well the delicate juggling act required to blend the orchestra, academics, athletics, and other outside commitments into a schedule that would lead to success in each of those endeavors. Let me assure you that it can be done! But you must make certain to stay organized, plan ahead, and prioritize. Important tests and projects due on Friday will cause a great deal of stress if not dealt with until after a two hour Thursday night rehearsal! Parents, helping your student figure out how to plan ahead is a skill that they'll use the rest of their life. Please take some time to help them get organized and continue giving them the "gentle reminders" needed to make them successful…

I look forward to seeing all of our returning students and parents again, and can't wait to meet all of our new members and their families. Please don't hesitate to let me know if you ever have any questions. It is certainly a privilege to be working with these outstanding young musicians again. Best wishes on a great season of music!

Melissa Siebenthal

Tuition

The current tuition for CICO is $225.00 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.