History of the Peoria Symphony Guild

The Peoria Symphony Guild, established in 1952, provides educational and community outreach for the Peoria Symphony Orchestra and classical music, in addition to generating financial support for Peoria Symphony performances.

The Guild presents daytime annual Student Concerts for thousands of school children and their teachers in central Illinois, a tradition since 1954.

The Guild sponsors the Young Artist Competition for instrumentalists and vocalists, 18-years-old and younger. Talented young musicians compete to perform as a soloist with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra at annual Student Concerts. The winner also receives a scholarship award. This is the fourth decade of the Guild's Young Artist Competition.

The Guild's Puppet Troupe brings classical music in light-hearted form to elementary schools in the Peoria area. The Guild is proud of this tradition of over 50 years.

Symphony Guild volunteers organize Youth Improvement/Master Classes that provide expert advice and instruction from visiting and resident artists to aspiring young performers in a seminar setting.

A classroom a presentation featuring an "Introduction to the Orchestra Program" is offered by Symphony guild volunteers to prepare students to attend the annual Student Concerts.

The Guild has developed an Instrument Grant Program that assists schools in acquiring musical instruments for students who might otherwise not be able to participate in musical training. The grants are available by application to middle schools in Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford Counties.