Elgin Symphony Orchestra
The U-46 Fine Arts Department has developed a robust partnership with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra.  The ESO hosts a series of youth concerts, titled the Ainsworth Youth Concerts, to which every 4th grade student in U-46 attends.  Pre-concert activities, inspired by concert repertoire, are planned and facilitated by elementary art and music teachers and high school music students.  We host ESO guest artists and ensembles in our classrooms to perform and conduct master classes.  We have transported students to sites to observe master classes such as the one conducted by world renowned violinist Midori.  In addition, opportunities are available for U-46 chamber groups to perform prior to ESO concerts.  High School students can accrue community service hours by volunteering in various capacities at ESO events. 

Elgin State Bank (originally First Community Bank)
Since 2006, Elgin State Bank (originally First Community Bank) has hosted the three U-46 student art showcases.  The Tyler Creek Plaza branch in Elgin hosts the "Art is Elementary" (elementary) and "Art Madness" (middle school) art shows.  In addition, the Randall Road branch hosts the "VISION" juried high school visual arts exhibit.  25 pieces of work are submitted from each U-46 high school for this exhibition and competition.  Prizes are awarded in the categories of: Drawing, Painting, Photography, Digital Art, Mixed Media, and 3-Dimensional Art.  Elgin State Bank promotes this event throughout the community, hosts a reception for student artists, their families and community members, and provides generous cash prizes to the top artists in each of the categories.