Alton Middle School Orchestras

03/18/2026

Explore Alton School District #11's vibrant music program with Directors Chesner and Plummer, community support, and upcoming concerts in Alton, Illinois.

02/23/2026

Hey ABOB!

We are just a little over a month away from our annual ABOB Music Matters Virtual Auction. This is a fun way to support our incredible instrumental music program in Alton Community School District #11 As we prepare for the event, we are in need of donations to make it a huge success again this year. We are asking each of our M100 sections to collect items for specifically themed baskets. We are in need of parents & family members who would be willing to head up the collections for their favorite sections.

If you are able to help please *comment* below or reach out to the instrumental music teachers and Jodi Baum.

High School sections include: Flutes, Clarinets, Saxophones/Low Reeds, High Brass, Low Brass, and Percussion.
We would also be grateful for donations from High School Orchestra, AMS Band and Orchestra, and Elementary Band and Orchestra.

Here are some examples of basket themes:
Beach Trip, Travel, Pampered Pets Basket, Spa Theme, Pamper/Treat Yourself, Picnic, Family Night, Arts & Crafts, Outdoor Adventure, Pool Party, Easter Baskets, Summer Fun, Dorm Room, Coffee, Gift Card Tree, Date Night, "When Life Gives You Lemons", Baking, Gardening, .... and more, be creative!

Baskets can be dropped off at the high school no later than Friday March 13th, 2026. Please reach out with questions! Thank you in advance for making our ABOB Music Matters Virtual Auction a BIG success again this year!

12/04/2025

RCO is gearing up for its next session!

We are a perfect group for local musicians that requires no audition, is low-commitment, and has low-pressure community performances.

This next session starts on January 27th. Register to play with us today!

12/02/2025

11/17/2025

Calling All Redbird Family!!

Alton Band & Orchestra Builders - ABOB will be having a Dine-out night with Roma's Pizza on Wednesday, November 19th from 11am-9pm.

Mention ABOB when you place your order and pay and Roma's will donate a percentage of your purchase to ABOB.

11/07/2025

📢Scholarship Deadline November 28📢

The A*O Music For All Scholarship will be awarding one-time $400 scholarships to qualified students in need of financial assistance for private music lessons. Applicants will be judged by their need for financial support, academic achievement, community/extracurricular involvement, and leadership.

For students that show commitment to community involvement they will be awarded the "Jerre Honke Scholarship" in honor of one of our previous board presidents for her commitment to A*O and music in the community.

09/28/2025

Be there!

09/02/2025

Registration for Alton Junior Youth Symphony is still open! This group requires no audition and is perfect for string students that have been playing for a year or two! Registration for this group closes on September 9, 2025.

Requirements to join:
Students must currently play in their school string/orchestra program (if applicable)
Read music on A and D String
Understand rhythms/rests such as quarter, half, whole, and eighth
Maintain routine of practicing of their music (as well as school music or private lesson repertoire)
Have a weekly attendance commitment (mentioned in AJYS guidelines, attendance determines if a student can or cannot perform in the end of semester concert)

Register here: https://forms.gle/ynQjvj3K2bYZop1c9 or visit our website: www.altonyouthsymphony.org/join-ays

08/22/2025

Registration is open for Jr. Youth Symphony! This group is ideal for string students that have been playing for a year or two! There is no audition required for this ensemble.

Registration deadline is September 9th.

View registration requirements below or on our website: www.altonyouthsymphony.org/join-ays

Jr Youth registration link: https://forms.gle/TJPrgTkqYNwSaa4y5

08/12/2025