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YOUTH MUSIC ILLINOIS
  • Home
  • Support YMI
    • Ways to Support YMI
    • Program Advertising
  • Concerts & Events
    • 2020 Concert Program
  • About YMI
    • Ensembles >
      • Which ensemble to choose
      • Youth Symphony
      • Concert Orchestra
      • Preparatory Orchestra
      • Dolce String Ensemble
      • Percussion Ensemble
      • Jazz Program
    • Audition Information
    • Application
    • History
    • Board of Directors
    • Contact
  • Students and Parents
    • Absences
    • Resource Links
    • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Handbook
    • COVID safety
  • Suzuki School of Music
    • Suzuki Concert Program

About Youth Music Illinois

At Youth Music Illinois, our mission is to mentor area youth to develop a repertoire of skills for both music and life, ​through the power of live performance. Students in our orchestras come from all around Central Illinois--not just from Peoria and the surrounding areas, but all the way out to Galesburg and Springfield.

Youth Music Illinois has four main orchestras and several small ensembles. 
  • Dolce String Ensemble--these students have had their instruments for about a year but might not have played in an orchestra before
  • Preparatory Orchestra--an honors elementary school ensemble
  • Concert Orchestra--students learn to play music at an advanced middle school/low high school level
  • Youth Symphony--students play standard orchestra repertoire
  • Jazz Orchestra--this ensemble meets in the Spring and covers the basics of improvisation and other Jazz techniques
  • Honors String Ensemble--Students from the Youth Symphony that play chamber music
  • Percussion Ensembles--these students play music arranged to be played specifically on percussion instruments alone
  • Winds/Brass Ensembles--these ensembles are tailored to fit the needs of the students that are a part of them, since instrumentation is often varied

​It is our goal that all hard-working and talented young musicians are able to participate in our programs. As such, we offer tuition assistance and remission for families that qualify based on the Income Eligibility Guidelines for the USDA's Child Nutrition Programs. 

Donate to Youth Music Illinois

Your tax-deductible donation goes so far in an organization like ours, from scholarships to concert hall rental. If you work for a company that has a donation matching program, it can go even further. Without the generous support of community members like you, the curtain would close on Youth Music Illinois for the last time. Contributions like yours help to make Central Illinois more beautiful to hear. We appreciate your support.
Lidia Riley ~ Executive Director
​
execdir@youthmusicillinois.org 
David Commanday ~ Music Director dcommanday@youthmusicillinois.org

Laura Otto~Director, Suzuki School of Music
SuzukiDirector@ciys.org
Youth Music Illinois
3601 North Sheridan Road
Peoria, Illinois 61604 
  • Home
  • Support YMI
    • Ways to Support YMI
    • Program Advertising
  • Concerts & Events
    • 2020 Concert Program
  • About YMI
    • Ensembles >
      • Which ensemble to choose
      • Youth Symphony
      • Concert Orchestra
      • Preparatory Orchestra
      • Dolce String Ensemble
      • Percussion Ensemble
      • Jazz Program
    • Audition Information
    • Application
    • History
    • Board of Directors
    • Contact
  • Students and Parents
    • Absences
    • Resource Links
    • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Handbook
    • COVID safety
  • Suzuki School of Music
    • Suzuki Concert Program