Review Event Information

Please read this entire letter. All questions about the program are answered here. Please print for your records.

The 32nd annual American Grands performance will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2027. This musical extravaganza has brought together pianists of all ages and levels for three decades. Levels range from beginning piano students up to teachers and professional pianists. Music is specially selected for each level with classical, theatrical, and original compositions, and popular arrangements, making every concert unique. We are excited to share some wonderful news about this year's concert!

Through a new partnership with Steinway, our performers will have the extraordinary opportunity to play on several 9-foot and 7-foot Steinway concert grand pianos. This is a significant upgrade from previous years and a truly special experience that few young pianists have the chance to enjoy. Performing on these world-class instruments will make this year's concert even more memorable for our students and audience alike.

How to Apply:

• Applications must be received by Friday, August 28, 2026
• Apply online at elgin.edu/americangrands
• All fields must be completed, including correct teacher information. Email is our primary form of contact with teachers, so the accuracy of this is essential.
• Please be sure all fields are filled out completely, correctly, and clearly. Incomplete applications will not be accepted
• Your name will appear on the event poster as you enter it on the application. Be sure to use correct capitalization (i.e. “John Doe” not “john doe”)

American Grands Participation Fee:

We are incredibly grateful for Steinway's generous sponsorship, which makes this special concert opportunity possible for our students. Their support allows our performers to experience the joy of playing on world-class instruments, creating memories that will last a lifetime. While Steinway is generously providing the pianos, the sponsorship does not cover the transportation of the instruments, their professional setup on stage, or the expert tuning required before the performance. These services are essential to ensure that every piano is in peak performance condition and that each student has the opportunity to perform with confidence on an instrument that sounds its very best.

To help offset these additional expenses, we have increased the participation fee this year to $50 per performer. We understand that any fee increase is meaningful, and we made this decision only after carefully considering the costs of providing the high-quality concert experience that our students and families value. This contribution helps us maintain the level of excellence, professionalism, and care that makes this event so special.

Acceptance Notification & Music Packet Pick-Up:

• Performers will be accepted via email, sent out the second week of September
  • This email will include participation fee payment information
• Schedules and rehearsal information will be on elgin.edu/americangrands after acceptance letters are sent out
• Performers must pick up their music packet in the main lobby of the ECC Arts Center (Building H of Elgin Community College) on Tuesday, October 6th, 3:00pm-8:00pm
  • This will be the final opportunity to verify and correct the spelling of your name

Guidelines for Performance Levels:

Selecting the correct level is the best way to set yourself up for success. Please consult with your piano teacher about what level is most appropriate for your skills prior to signing up. Please note that performers do not necessarily advance to a new level every year. Levels 1 thru 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 in which they cannot already play competently at the time of registration. The participant should have great success at a lower level than to be placed in an aspirational level that will be onerous and dispiriting for the performer.

Please note: For the Primer level, students must be at least 6 years old and able to read on the musical staff.

Rehearsal Information:

Detailed rehearsal schedules will be included in your music packet. All rehearsals are in Elgin Community College Building H (Room 318 and the 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. It is mandatory that all performers 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.

Performance Information:

Performances are held in the Elgin Community College Arts Center’s Blizzard Theatre on Saturday, January 23, 2027. Performance times are 4:00pm and 7:00pm. In the event of high registration numbers, a 1:00pm performance may be added to the schedule.

Performer Expectations:

Your participation includes the following commitments:

• Pay the $50 participation fee
• Pick up your music packet on October 6th
• Practice and prepare your assigned pieces with support from your piano teacher
• Attend all assigned rehearsals and performances
• Arrive at rehearsals 20 minutes prior to your 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

Performance Attire:

Attire for the performances on January 23rd 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

Ticket Information:

We encourage you to wait to purchase tickets until after you pick up your music packet on October 6th. There are multiple concerts on January 23rd and you will not know your assigned performance until you pick up your packet. Ticket prices are $30 for adults and $20 for children under 12. Tickets can be purchased from the ECC Arts Center Box Office.

Important Dates: