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:
The Millikin Brass and Woodwind Quintets
The Millikin Flute Ensemble
The Millikin Percussion Ensemble
The University of Illinois Gamelan Ensemble
Harpists Nina Marshall and Julia Jamieson
The ISU Sonneries Woodwind Ensemble
The University of Illinois African Drumming Ensemble
The Downstate Strings
The Symphony Orchestra Guild Trio
The Decatur Youth Symphony Student Chamber Ensembles
Jim Walker (clarinet) & Karen Neece (piano)
The Dixie Daredevils
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.
