Who is eligible to participate?

Young Artists are incoming high school freshmen through graduated seniors (as of June) who excel in music and show a passion for the arts.

We also offer a jr. high level introductory program for incoming 6th-8th graders (as of June).

Our “Fun with Music!” programs at the Streator Public Library are free and open to the public, geared for Pre-K through 4th grade students.

What are the training hours for my Young Artist?

Alternate Option for FIRST DAY OF TRAINING: Sat June 6: 10 am - 1 pm (lunch provided)*

Mon June 8: 10 am - 8 pm (lunch and dinner provided)
*If you attend the Sat option for first day, you would arrive on Monday at 1 pm

Tues June 9 & Thursday June 11: 1 pm - 8:30 pm (dinner provided)

Wed June 10 & Fri June 12: 1 pm - 5 pm

Sat June 13: TBD AM - 5 pm

Tuesday - Friday: 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM is a “Choose your own adventure time” that is totally free and optional!

What are the training hours for my Jr. High student?

Tuesday, June 9 | Park Presbyterian Church in Streator (201 N Vermillion St) | 3-8 PM

• Activities & Training, VIP seats to the Poco Faculty & Friends Concert @ 7 PM

• Thursday, June 11 | Park Presbyterian Church in Streator (201 N Vermillion St) | 6:00-8:30 PM

  • Attend and Perform in the 7-8:30 PM Student Showcase (arrive by 6:30 PM for warm-ups) 

• Saturday, June 13 | Streator High School Auditorium (202 W Lincoln Ave) | 1 :00-5:00 PM 

  • Concert & Performance @ 3:00 PM

Where will training take place?

All of our training takes place at Park Church, directly across the street from the City Park. The exact address is below:

Park Church

201 S. Vermillion St.

Streator, IL 61364

** All of our events take place within a 1/2 mile radius in the center of Streator, Illinois.

How much is tuition for the festival, and when are payments due?

Tuition for the entirety of the Young Artist training program costs $300 per student. That includes 30+ hours of training, a festival t-shirt, and two group dinners. We require a nonrefundable $50 deposit by May 1st in order to secure your student’s spot, which will be subtracted from your final tuition cost. We accept tuition payments anytime after your student is accepted; tuition must be paid in full on or before the first day of training.

Tuition for the Jr. High training program costs $50 per student. Tuition must be paid in full on or before Tuesday, June 9 (first day of training).

Is tuition assistance available?

Yes. On the applications, there is a place to indicate whether financial assistance would be needed in order for your student(s) to attend. We maintain this information in confidence. In order to supplement a child’s tuition fee, community foundations, school boosters, music funds, and private donations will be used. We try our best to provide as many resources as possible so that everyone accepted can attend, regardless of financial restrictions.

If you would like to have a private discussion about options for payment, please contact Executive Director Kate Tombaugh to set up a confidential call to discuss those options and needs.

Is there a way for others to participate?

YES! No performance is complete without an audience. We will have free and public concerts and events throughout the festival week in Streator, IL. A full schedule with all of Poco a Poco’s public events, lectures, and concerts is posted on our Events tab on the website. All events are family friendly and aim to be high-quality.

Please follow our Facebook page for updates and announcements.

Additionally, we encourage vocalists and instrumentalists to join our community choir and community instrumental flex ensembles. We also host a Jam Session Friday night of the festival—no performance attached, just a chance to jam and learn with other musical enthusiasts. More information about each opportunity can be found under the Get Involved tab of our website.

Students entering 6th-8th grades (as of June 2026) are encouraged to register for our introductory level Jr. High training program.

If you would like to volunteer during the festival, please contact us directly via email at info@pocoapoco.org

What will my Young Artist learn during the training program?

Our faculty includes senior and junior faculty and guest lecturers who will be coaching students in vocal and choral techniques, piano and guitar, and music theory and musicianship. Additionally, we have master classes, round-table discussions, and presentations covering other musical topics such as auditions, music education, conducting, movement, improvisation, and composition.

Why are there auditions for enrollment?

Auditions are a great way to present yourself and let us hear your voice and ask questions. Learning how to audition is a skill, and it takes practice to feel your most comfortable and confident. Every time you audition, it will feel easier and less intimidating. Therefore, having auditions is an integral part of our training at ‘Poco a Poco,’ and it will give our faculty an idea of your skills while determining how you might best fit into our program and how we can best help you achieve your goals.

Audition requirements can be found under the Sumer Music Fest tab of our website.