FAQs

American Grands is a musical event featuring local musicians performing on grand pianos at the Elgin Community College (ECC) Arts Center. Colin Holman will conduct this extravaganza to showcase classical and popular music arranged for multiple pianos.

The event will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the ECC Arts Center in Elgin, Illinois. Performances will occur in the Blizzard Theatre, with rehearsals in Building H, Room H318, and the Blizzard Theatre.

There is a $35 participation fee per performer. This fee helps with music distribution and production costs. It can be paid online or in person via cash, credit, or check. Please ensure payment is made before the music pick-up date on October 9, 2025, 3 pm to 8 pm.

Rehearsals:  

Information regarding Rehearsals will be available late summer.

Performances:  

Saturday, January 24 at 4 pm and 7 pm (Levels 1-4)

If registration numbers are high, a 1 pm concert may be added.

Ensure all application fields are completed accurately. The information, including your teacher’s contact details, must be correct. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Your name will appear when you enter it into the electronic application.

To complete the registration form, visit the Registration page.

Applications must be submitted by Friday, August 29, 2025.

Acceptance notifications will be sent by email in the second week of September.

Accepted performers must pick up their music on Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 3 pm to 8 pm at the main lobby of the ECC Arts Center (Building H). This is also when you can verify the spelling of your name for the poster.

Performers must:

• Pay the $35 participation fee.
• Pick up your music packet on October 9th.
• Practice and prepare your assigned pieces with support from your piano teacher.
• Attend all assigned rehearsals and performances.
• Arrive at rehearsals 20 minutes before their designated practice time.
• Agree to allow Elgin Community College to photograph/document this performance for archival and not-for-profit promotional use and to release your name and photo for promotional purposes.
• Follow performance attire dress code.

Attire for the performances on January 24th is formal. This concert is your chance to dress up and look your best! Please make sure your outfit and shoes will allow you to move and sit on stage with comfort and confidence, especially if you are playing on an elevated piano. We recommend trying on your outfit at home and sitting at the piano to practice.

Young Musicians:

Either a colorful formal dress (knee-length or longer - no short dresses!) OR black dress pants, black dress shoes, black socks, white shirt, and colorful bowtie.  

Adult Musicians:

Either a colorful formal dress (long or tea-length) OR a tuxedo or black suit with a bowtie. 

Please ensure your clothing and shoes are comfortable, especially if playing on an elevated piano. No nail polish, tips, acrylics, or dips are allowed—natural nails only

Tickets can be purchased after you pick up your music packet on October 9 once you know your performance time. The prices are $30 for adults and $20 for children under 12.