Illinois Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra Appoints Tim Janiszewski as New Music Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 21, 2019

The Illinois Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra is proud to announce the appointment of Tim Janiszewski as its new Music Director.

A conductor, composer, and music educator based in the Chicagoland area, Janiszewski brings a dynamic combination of artistic leadership, educational experience, and a deep passion for working with young musicians.

In addition to his appointment with the Illinois Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra, Janiszewski currently serves as Conductor of the Midwest String Orchestra and Assistant Conductor of the Midwest Philharmonic Orchestra. His previous conducting positions include Assistant Conductor of the Northwest Symphony Orchestra, and he has regularly appeared as a guest conductor with ensembles such as the West Suburban Flute Orchestra and Summer Place Theatre in Naperville.

As a composer, Janiszewski is an active freelance artist writing for both concert and digital media. Recent premieres of his works include Pursuit of the Mountain, Tragic Beauty, Woodwind Quintet No. 1, and String Quartet No. 1. His compositions have been performed by ensembles and musicians of varying ages and ability levels, reflecting his commitment to creating accessible and meaningful musical experiences.

Deeply committed to music education, Janiszewski has more than nine years of experience teaching in both classroom and private lesson settings. Throughout his career, he has worked with a wide range of schools and student ensembles across the Chicagoland area, including Lake Forest High School, Maine East High School, Glenbard East High School, Churchville Middle School, Cass Junior High School, Woodale Junior High School, Hampshire Middle School, East Richland High School, East Leyden High School, Lake Forest Country Day School, and Palatine High School.

Janiszewski earned his Bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Music Theory/Composition from Elmhurst College. During his time at Elmhurst, he was a six-time winner of the school’s student conductor competition, conducting both the Elmhurst College Symphonic Band and Philharmonic Orchestra over three consecutive years. He also appeared twice as guest conductor of the Elmhurst College Varsity Band, including leading the premiere of his original composition Pursuit of the Mountain. Additionally, he conducted the Elmhurst College Theatre pit orchestra for the musical production Dames at Sea.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tim Janiszewski to the Illinois Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra family,” said IVYSO leadership. “His artistic vision, educational background, and enthusiasm for inspiring young musicians make him an outstanding choice to lead the orchestra into its next chapter.”

The Illinois Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra looks forward to an exciting future under Janiszewski’s leadership and welcomes him to the organization.