ABOUT US
The Joliet Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 2005 as a university-community partnership with the University of St. Francis, the Joliet Symphony Orchestra is an all-volunteer community-university orchestra that rehearses and performs works for small and large orchestra alike. Our intimate venue on the University of St. Francis campus in Joliet, Illinois provides the perfect setting for our performances.
We are dedicated to enriching the community through the beauty and power of symphonic music.
Our passionate and talented musicians and conductor work tirelessly to bring world-class performances to our audiences.
Come join us for an unforgettable musical experience!
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JSO MUSIC DIRECTORS
Michael Sundblad (2005-2007)
Clifford Hunt (2007–2011)
Jim Stopher (2011-2015)
Gonzalo Farias (2015–2016)
Alex Dee (2016–2019)
Dianna Fiore (2019-2020)
Lev Ivanov (2020–2023)
Sean Paul Mills (2023-Present)
OUR STAFF
Our Orchestra and Advisory Committee are made up of
passionate musicians and dedicated volunteers
who work together to bring classical music to the community.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Cindy Bennett-Valtman
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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Cindy Bennett-Valtman
Beth Darin
Michael Roszyk
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UNIVERSITY OF ST FRANCIS
Provost Beth Roth
Dean Elizabeth McDermott
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
John Anderlick
Karen Dannenhauer
Beth Darin
Michelle Mathena
Anthony Melei
Cindy Olson
Michael Roszyk​
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
position available
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ORCHESTRA LIBRARIAN
Beth Darin
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PERSONNEL MANAGER
Cindy Bennett-Valtman
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SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Michelle Mathena
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STAGE MANAGER
John Anderlick​
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PHOTOGRAPHER
Jim Valtman
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JOIN US!
If you are looking for a friendly orchestra that performs outstanding symphonic repertoire, we encourage you to give us a try! The Joliet Symphony Orchestra provides opportunities for musicians in our community to share in the joy of making music together.
Musicians interested in joining the orchestra should contact our Artistic Director & Conductor, Sean Paul Mills, at jolietsymphonyconductor@gmail.com.
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If there are openings available for your instrument, a short informal audition will be required. In order to join us, you should:
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be able to play a 2 octave scale (woodwinds/brass) or 3 octave scale (strings),
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have studied your instrument privately and/or performed in a chamber orchestra or full symphony orchestra,
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have the ability to perform a short solo composition with rhythmic accuracy, technical fluency, and musicality,
and
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are able to commit to attending a majority of the rehearsals and all of the performances for each concert set.