Invitation Letter

Letter to Performers

Attention Teachers, Students, and Performing Pianists: Your Invitation to American Grands XXXI

The 31st annual American Grands performance will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Elgin Community College (ECC) Arts Center. For three decades, this musical extravaganza has brought together pianists of all ages and levels. Levels range from beginning piano students up to teachers and professional pianists. Music is specially selected for each level, featuring classical, theatrical, and original compositions, as well as popular arrangements, making every concert unique. The stage is filled with 12 grand pianos, a drum kit, and our fearless, humorous conductor, Colin Holman. This event is only possible through the generous support of Cordogan’s Pianoland.

How to Apply

Applications must be received by Friday, August 29, 2025.
Apply online
All fields must be completed, including the correct teacher information. Email is our primary form of contact with teachers, so accuracy is essential.
Please ensure that all fields are completed accurately and clearly. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Your name will appear on the event poster when you enter it into the application. Be sure to use correct capitalization (i.e., “John Doe” not “john doe”).

American Grands Participation Fee

All accepted participants must pay a $35 participation fee per performer. This covers the cost of the music each participant receives, as well as related performance costs. This fee can be paid online or in person with cash, credit card, or check after acceptance emails are sent out, and must be paid before picking up your music packet.

Rehearsal Information

Detailed rehearsal schedules will be included in your music packet. All rehearsals are in Elgin Community College Building H (Room 318 and ECC Arts Center’s Blizzard Theatre). Please see the complete calendar below.

Please check your child’s school winter break schedule before registering for this event. Rehearsals for each level are typically 15-20 minutes long. You will be given a specific time to rehearse with your assigned levels when you pick up your music packet. All performers must attend all three of their assigned rehearsal times for their assigned piece(s) as outlined in the detailed rehearsal schedule, as well as the assigned performances. Some performers may be required to play in two concerts, particularly at the upper levels.

Guidelines for Performance Levels:

Selecting the correct level is the best way to set yourself up for success. Please consult with your piano teacher to determine the most appropriate level for your skills before signing up. Please note that performers do not necessarily advance to a new level every year. Levels 1 through 7 should span the entirety of a student’s time in public school (K-12). DO NOT place yourself or your student at a level at which they cannot already play competently at the time of registration. The participant should have great success at a lower level than being placed in an aspirational level that would be onerous and dispiriting for the performer. Please note: For the Primer level, students must be at least 6 years old and be able to read music on the staff.

American Grands Level	Equivalent Faber & Faber Piano Adventures Level
Primer	Primer
Level 1	Level 1
Level 2	Level 2A / Level 2B
Level 3	Level 3A / Level 3B
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 that all applications are completed accurately, clearly, and completely.
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 verify with your teacher to ensure their information is accurate.
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 you have been accepted.

Application Deadline : All applications must be received by Friday, August 29, 2025.

Acceptance Notification & Music Packet Pick-Up

Performers will be accepted via email and sent in the second week of September.
- This email will include information on the payment of the participation fee.
Schedules and rehearsal information will be available online after acceptance letters are sent out.
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 9, from 3 pm to 8 pm.
- This will be the final opportunity to verify and correct the spelling of your name.

Performer Expectations

Your participation includes the following commitments:

Pay the $35 participation fee.
Pick up your music packet on October 9.
Practice and prepare your assigned pieces with support from your piano teacher.
Attend all assigned rehearsals and performances.
Arrive at rehearsals 20 minutes before 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.
Follow the performance attire dress code.

Performance Attire

Attire for the performances on January 24 is formal. This concert is your chance to dress up and look your best! Please ensure your outfit and shoes 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 practicing at the 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 colorful bowtie.
Adult musicians: Either a colorful formal dress (long or tea-length) OR a tuxedo or black suit with a bowtie.

Ticket Information

We encourage you to wait until you pick up your music packet on October 9 to purchase tickets. There are multiple concerts scheduled for January 24, and you will not know your assigned performance time until you pick up your packet. Ticket prices are $30 for adults and $20 for children under 12 years old. Tickets can be purchased from the ECC Arts Center Box Office.

Important Dates:

Friday, August 29, 2025 – Online application due date
Second week of September – Acceptance letter emails go out - keep an eye on your inbox
Thursday, October 9, 2025 – Participation fee owing date and music packet pick-up date.
Saturday, January 10, 2026 – First rehearsal (Levels 1-4)
Sunday, January 11, 2026 – First rehearsal (Levels 5 – Teacher/Performer)
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 – Second rehearsal (Levels 1-4)
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 – Second rehearsal (Levels 5 – Teacher/Performer)
Thursday, January 22, 2026 – Third rehearsal (Levels 1-4)
Friday, January 23, 2026 – Third rehearsal (Levels 5 – Teacher/Performer)
Saturday, January 24, 2026 – Concert Day

Apply Now