CYP: Who we are
Chicagoland Youth Pops is on a mission- a mission to bridge the gap between the incredible experience of ensemble playing and the music our students love. There is a misconception out there that you have to play Mozart to become a better musician. While Mozart is awesome (!), the number one factor for any musical growth is motivation. Will you be excited to learn, practice, and perform the music that is on your music stand? For many students out there, the answer is no. We want to change that.
We also want to make the CYP experience more approachable, more fun, and more engaging for our audiences and communities. Our concerts may not be traditional in the sense that you’re used to (and we think this is a very good thing).
No option is off the table for flipping a performance on its head. If CYP can dream it up, let’s make it happen!
WHo can play?
If you are interested, there is an opportunity for you! CYP is proud to offer musicians of all ages a variety of meaningful, low-cost, or no-cost summer experiences. Of course, we are always happy for applicants who play a traditional orchestral instrument, BUT we also love if you play or do something else. Electric guitar? Digital audio production? Sitar? Koto? Bagpipes? WE WANT YOU!
Not sure if you are ready? GIVE IT A TRY!
SUMMER 2027 Info:
Stay tuned for our one-week summer experiences! There will be something for everyone, and you don’t want to miss out making awesome music and memories.
Meet the Director
Dr. Dan Schwartz, DMA Founder & Music Director
Simply put, Dan loves music. All kinds of music. With a doctorate in oboe performance and education, Dan spent the first 10 years of his career as a professor of oboe at the University of Oklahoma and member of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic.
A native of Wheeling, Illinois, Dan is now back home, on faculty at Lake Forest College and Roosevelt University, as well as performing as the principal oboe of the Illinois Symphony.
Dan cannot be more excited about CYP and cannot wait to make music with the amazingly talented students of Chicagoland!
