In-Residence Ensembles
Since the mid-1970s, Elgin Community College (ECC) has partnered with community-based, in-residence ensembles as part of its commitment to serving as a cultural hub for the region. These partnerships exist to strengthen connections between the college and the broader community, aligning with ECC’s mission as a comprehensive community college. By hosting and supporting these ensembles, ECC provides high-quality performance spaces, institutional support, and opportunities for artistic collaboration.
The partnerships benefit the community in several important ways:
- They expand access to the arts, offering residents affordable or free performances.
- They create opportunities for lifelong learning and participation for musicians of all ages and skill levels.
- They foster cultural enrichment and civic pride, making ECC a shared gathering place for artistic expression.
- They provide experiential learning opportunities for ECC students, who may perform alongside or learn from community members.
Overall, ECC’s in-residence ensemble partnerships help build a vibrant local arts ecosystem while reinforcing the college’s role as a center for education, creativity, and community engagement.
BFH (formerly known as Ballet Folklórico Huehuecoyotl)
The Ballet started as one of the numerous activities the youth group did to keep active. As the group learned about Mexican folkloric dance, they felt the need to continue learning about Mexico's rich heritage and share their knowledge and experience year-round with a broader audience. With this, the Ballet Folklórico Huehuecoyotl was established in 1996 as a non-profit organization under the direction of founder Julian Hernandez. In 2000, the children's group was created to share the knowledge gained and pass it on to the younger generations, allowing them to learn about their heritage while engaging in healthy activities.
Children's Theatre of Elgin
Children’s Theatre of Elgin / Fox Valley Theatre Company is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Elgin, Illinois. Its two troupes form one of the state's oldest, largest, and most exciting children’s theater companies. We develop fun and exciting programs that offer a maximum number of children, youth, and young adults an affordable opportunity to experience the performing arts as participants or audience members.
Elgin Master Chorale
The Elgin Master Chorale is a cultural cornerstone of Elgin and the Fox Valley. It creates a thrilling, emotional experience for audiences at each performance by achieving excellence in singing, presentation, and production. Elgin Master Chorale comprises approximately 85 adult singers—admitted by audition only—who share a passion for choral masterworks and other fine choral repertoire.
Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra
The Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra has a national reputation for providing an engaging musical experience for its students and a comprehensive learning environment that promotes curiosity, imagination, critical thinking, and collaboration. With six large ensembles, three small ensembles, and a thriving Chamber Music Institute, EYSO auditions record numbers of students each year and the hundreds of musicians who already enjoy its rigorous methods of inquiry and "expert noticing."
Hamilton Wings' SCORE!
Hamilton Wings' SCORE! is a nonprofit organization that promotes leadership, development, and academic readiness of socially and/or economically challenged children and families through the use of and access to the arts.