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YOUTH MUSIC ILLINOIS
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Percussion Ensemble
Rehearses bi-weekly on Sundays
​

The Central Illinois Percussion Ensemble consists of percussionists from both the Youth Symphony and Concert Orchestra and was formed during the 1997-1998 season. The mission is for students to perform percussion ensemble literature that not only showcases the percussion section and its players, but allows them to enhance their performing abilities.

Audition Information

Entry Auditions (Primarily Spring auditions for the following season but Fall auditions can be scheduled)
  • All students are required to audition for initial entrance into any YMI ensemble. Please complete an Audition Application and an audition will be scheduled. 
  • Auditions will be submitted via YouTube by May 31, 2020 for priority seating. Please upload your video to YouTube (which can be at an unlisted link if you would like) and email the link to ExecDir@YouthMusicIllinois.org.
Students should prepare a 2 minute solo or etude on Snare Drum, Mallets, and/or Timpani. The Jr. or Sr. level ILMEA etudes would also be an appropriate choice for solo.  
Apply for Percussion Ensemble
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Peggy Bonner, coach
​Peggy Jo Bonner is known in Central Illinois for her exemplary and versatile percussion skills. Currently, she teaches percussion at Bradley University where her duties include: private lessons, percussion ensemble and percussion methods class. In addition, she directs the Central Illinois Youth Symphony Percussion Ensemble and maintains a large private studio. Peggy is a long-standing professional musician and is principal percussionist with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra for the past three decades where she has an endowed chair in her name. She also is the principal percussionist with the Knox Galesburg Symphony for the past 30 years. She has performed dutifully with the Peoria Municipal Band, Prairie Wind Ensemble (charter member), Opera Illinois, St. Mary Cathedral Choir/Orchestra, Peoria Players Theatre, Cornstock Theatre, Eastlight Theatre, and countless others when called upon.

Peggy is the first call percussionist when national touring musicals perform at the Peoria Civic Center. She has played professionally for Wicked, Hair Spray, Mary Poppins, and many others.

Peggy graduated from Bradley University and served as band director in Central Illinois, serving Peoria Public Schools. While at Rolling Acres Middle School and Roosevelt Arts Magnet School her concert and marching bands consistently earned top ratings at both district and state levels. In the summers Bonner led the Peoria Park District Summer band program, a traveling award-winning program she participated in as a teen under the direction of long-time director/mentor Fred Huber.

Peggy is active as a clinician and adjudicator for area schools.

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