Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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 junior 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.

  • Alternate Option for FIRST DAY OF TRAINING: Sat June 5: 10 am - 1 pm (lunch provided)*

    Mon June 7: 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 8 & Thursday June 10: 1 pm - 8:30 pm (dinner provided)

    Wed June 9 & Fri June 11: 1 pm - 5 pm

    Sat June 12: TBD AM - 5 pm

    Tuesday - Friday:
    Read below to learn more about two additional and FREE learning opportunities!

    10-11:30 AM:
    Basics Bootcamp: small group sessions in music theory, piano, & sightsinging

    (Bring a sack lunch)

    12:30 PM - 12:55 PM
    Choose your own adventure time: Extra half hour training on topics of your choice

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

    Thurs, June 10 | Park Presbyterian Church in Streator (201 N Vermillion St) | 6-8:30 PM

    Sat, June 12 | Streator High School Auditorium (202 W Lincoln Ave) | 1-5 PM 

  • 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.

  • 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 June 1st.

    Tuition for the Junior training program costs $50 per student. Tuition must be paid in full on or before June 1st).

  • Yes. On the application, 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.

  • 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.

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

  • 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.

  • 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 Summer Music Fest tab of our website.