Live Performances In Schools

Fostering a love for music in Decatur, IL community schools.

Promoting music education in District 61

The Symphony Orchestra Guild funds “live” performances by outstanding professional ensembles throughout the year for area schools. Such performances have included:

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The Millikin Brass and Woodwind Quintets

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The Millikin Flute Ensemble

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The Millikin Percussion Ensemble

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The University of Illinois Gamelan Ensemble

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Harpists Nina Marshall and Julia Jamieson

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The ISU Sonneries Woodwind Ensemble

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The University of Illinois African Drumming Ensemble

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The Downstate Strings

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The Symphony Orchestra Guild Trio

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The Decatur Youth Symphony Student Chamber Ensembles

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Jim Walker (clarinet) & Karen Neece (piano)

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The Dixie Daredevils

String Trio
Live performance

Exposure

During live performances, students are not only exposed to the sight and sounds of the different ensemble instruments, but they hear different types of music repertoire.

Inclusion

We believe live music education experiences should be available to everyone. That’s why the Guild and the Decatur Area Arts Council work together to fund free transportation and tickets to a Performing Arts Student Series (PASS) concert. This concert is held at Kirkland Fine Arts Center and is funded for all District 61 third and fourth graders.

Encouragement

Live performances – including the free concert – help third and fourth graders get acquainted with the various orchestral instruments. They are encouraged to study an instrument in school when they reach the 4th (strings) and 5th (band) grade levels.

Looking to support the Guild?

A donation to the Symphony Orchestra Guild of Decatur puts instruments in the hands of children, makes live symphonic music accessible to all Illinoisans, and makes it possible for world-class musicians to call Illinois home. 

Every dollar counts, and each donation helps ensure a sustainable, thriving future for the Guild.

David Cook