About Us

History - FullScore was founded by its charter members in 2003 for the purpose of continuing to nurture each other musically and share live music with the community. Each summer the ensemble gives free concerts in the Zion Band shell for family audiences numbering in the thousands. In the first two summers musicians played for free. Presently the ongoing desire of FullScore's board is to gain underwriting for the purpose of keeping the quality level high, acquiring a library, and supporting this vibrant ensemble. The season now includes 2 outdoor pops, Kids Koncerts, Messiah Sing Along, and Winter Classics.

Membership - FullScore has a unique and diverse membership. Nearly all the artists in its core both play an instrument professionally and sing. Members are from Zion, Waukegan, Beach Park, Winthrop Harbor, Wadsworth, Libertyville, Kenosha, Mundelein, Wilmot, and Chicago. Ron Arden is the founding Artistic Director and conductor. Some of the members teach school while others perform fulltime. All the members of the ensemble help with some non-playing aspect of the group and most teach private lessons. Unlike most professional orchestras, FullScore regularly invites advanced students and community players to participate. This partnering adds a unique and exciting dynamic that has become the educational back bone of the orchestra.

Operations - FullScore has a strong relationship with the Zion Park District to provide enriching musical events for Zion and surrounding communities. This "umbrella" includes some advertising, a tax i.d., and outdoor facility as needed. The Park District support helps FullScore influence children and adults both culturally and educationally. This partnership enhances the stature of musicians here and serves to make a haven for such artists to thrive - and survive!

Equipment and rehearsal space are generously provided by Zion Benton Township High School through band director and FullScore member Mark Rymer.

Budget - FullScore raises its own funds for meeting costs of musicians, library, and administration. Businesses and private donors are sought out regularly and asked to support this important adventure in music making. The arts in Zion depend on this partnership and the future of Full Score is no exception.

Artistic endeavors - Since its first summer, FullScore has launched two major annual events - Kids Koncerts and Messiah Sing Along. Families are encouraged to bring their children and picnics for a fun relaxing evening of great music under the evening sky at the outdoor concerts. District 6 in Zion spearheads the Kids Koncerts and yearly, over 1,000 children are in attendance. The Messiah keeps alive an age-old tradition that circles the globe promoting Handel's great oratorio. All concerts usually include an informative narration by Music Director, Ron Arden.

FullScore has been written up in the Lake County Herald as one of the north shore's most dynamic and invigorating musical ensembles. In addition to its regular season, FullScore has served as accompaniment for headline artists at the Genesee Theater in Waukegan and provided entertainment for Cancer Treatment Centers of America and NorthPoint Marina in Winthrop Harbor.