Invitation Letter

Attention Teachers, Students, and Performing Pianists:

You are invited to join other local musicians in the performance of American Grands 30 on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Elgin Community College (ECC) Arts Center. We will present this extravaganza on grand pianos from Cordogan’s Pianoland, showcasing classical and popular music in arrangements for multiple pianos. Colin Holman will be conducting.

Read through these details before signing up using the button at the bottom of this page. You must read all of this information before applying.

American Grands Participation Fee

American Grands charges a $35 per performer participation fee to ease the music distribution process and offset production costs. This fee can be paid online or in person with cash, credit, or check. The acceptance letter sent in September will include information on paying this fee. Please pay the participation fee before the music pick-up date on Oct. 10, 2024.

Rehearsals & Performances

Performances will be held in the ECC Arts Center’s Blizzard Theatre, and rehearsals will occur in Building K, Room K163, and the Blizzard Theatre.

The rehearsal and performance schedule is as follows:

Saturday, January 11 (Levels 1-4)
Sunday, January 12 (Levels 5 – Teacher/Performer) Tuesday, January 21 (Levels 1-4)
Wednesday, January 22 (Levels 5 – Teacher/Performer) Thursday, January 23 (Levels 1-4)
Friday, January 24 from (Levels 5 – Teacher/Performer)
Performances: Saturday, January 25 Performance Times 4:00 and 7:00 pm, with the possibility of a 1:00 pm concert if registration numbers are high

Please check your child’s school winter break schedule before registering for this event. Rehearsals for each level are typically 15-20 minutes long. When you pick up your music, you will be given a specific time for the rehearsal of your assigned piece(s). It is mandatory that all performers attend all three assigned rehearsals, but not for the full duration of each, as well as assigned performances. Performers may be required to play in two concerts.

Performance Level Guidelines

To identify a performance level, please consult with your teacher about your level. Please note that performers do not necessarily advance to a new level every year. DO NOT place yourself or your student at a level where they cannot perform competently. We will again provide a performance opportunity for beginning students at the Primer Level. Students must be at least six years old and read on the musical staff.

American Grands Level	Faber & Faber Piano Adventures
Primer	Primer
Level 1	Level 1
Level 2	Level 2
Level 3	Level 3
Level 4	Level 4
Level 5	Level 5
Level 6	Late intermediate classical repertoire
Level 7	Early advanced classical repertoire
Advanced/Teacher/Professional	Advanced classical repertoire

Ready to Apply?

Complete your application using this link

Please ensure all applications are filled out completely, correctly, and clearly.
All fields must be completed, including correct teacher information. Email is our primary form of contact with teachers, so we need this information to be accurate. Please check with your teacher to make sure their information is correct.
Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Your name will appear on the poster as you enter it on the electronic application. Be sure to use correct capitalization. (i.e., “John Doe” not “john doe”)
You can check back here for schedules and information after being accepted.

Application Deadline

All applications must be received by Friday, August 30, 2024.

Acceptance and Music Pick-Up

Applicants who have been accepted will be notified by email by the second week of September.
Performers must pick up their music in the main lobby of the ECC Arts Center (located in Building H of Elgin Community College) on Thursday, October 10, from 3:00 to 8:00 pm.
This will be your final opportunity to verify the correct spelling of your name for the poster.

Performer Expectations

Your commitment includes the following:

Pay the $35 participation fee.
Pick up and prepare your music.
Attend all assigned rehearsals and performances.
Arrive at rehearsals 20 minutes prior to your designated 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.

Performance Attire

Performance attire is formal. This concert is a chance to dress up and look your best! However, please make sure your clothing and shoes will allow you to move and sit on stage with comfort and confidence, especially if you are playing on an elevated piano.
No nail polish, tips, acrylics, or dips, please! Natural nails only!

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 bow tie.
Adult musicians: Either a colorful formal dress (long or tea-length) OR a tuxedo or black suit with a bowtie.

Ticket Information

Please wait to purchase tickets until you pick up your music packet on October 10 and know your performance time. Ticket prices are $30 for adults and $20 for children under 12.

Apply Now