Illinois Symphony Guilds Honor Region's Brightest Young Musicians with Annual Scholarship Awards

Springfield and Bloomington–Normal guilds recognize outstanding young talent; combined scholarships total more than $9,000

SPRINGFIELD and BLOOMINGTON–NORMAL, Ill. — The Illinois Symphony Orchestra's two regional guilds recently concluded their 2026 Scholarship Auditions, recognizing exceptional young musicians across the region with awards totaling more than $9,000 in combined scholarship support. From a pianist's near-perfect score in Springfield to a violinist's commanding performance of Mozart in Bloomington–Normal, this year's competitions delivered a remarkable portrait of the next generation of classical musicians.

ISO Guild of Bloomington–Normal — Musician Scholarship Auditions

Thirteen student musicians in grades 8 through 11 performed before a panel of distinguished judges at the Bloomington–Normal auditions, presenting a wide range of instruments and repertoire with advanced technical skill, thoughtful interpretation, and impressive artistic maturity. The caliber of performance was so uniformly high that the scholarship committee made the unusual decision to expand the number of awards — from the customary framework to six recipients — in order to honor the exceptional musicianship on display.

Special recognition is due to Logan Campbell, Head of the Illinois Wesleyan University School of Music, for his leadership in organizing IWU's sponsorship of this event, and to the members of the Scholarship Committee: Chair Laurie Burke, Marilyn Mertz, Anita Carney, Yuwen Jin, Lynda Lane, and Peggy Hundley.

Bloomington–Normal Guild scholarship funds may be used for private music lessons or summer music camps.

Illinois Symphony Guild of Springfield — Scholarship Auditions

Twenty students took the stage at this year's Springfield auditions — drawn from a field of twenty-one registrants — representing a diverse array of ages, grade levels, and instruments. Judges Doug Hahn and Dale Rogers, both respected figures in the region's musical community, brought careful and discerning evaluation to a competition where the margin between top scores proved extraordinarily slim.

Behind the event, Dee Dee Gain handled scheduling and follow-up correspondence for all participants, while Jamie Greenwald managed on-site logistics and student flow. An expanded 1–10 scoring scale provided the precision the competition demanded, with top performers separated by just a few points.

Springfield Guild scholarships are open exclusively to Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestra students. Award funds may be applied toward private music lessons, summer music camps, or ISYO tuition.

About the Scholarship Programs

Guild scholarship awards are made possible through the generosity of guild members, patrons, and donors — and in Bloomington–Normal, through the Guild's dedicated Scholarship Endowment Fund through Heart of Illinois Community Foundation. These scholarships do more than recognize achievement: they affirm the guilds' core commitment to nurturing the next generation of classical musicians and sustaining the cultural vitality of central Illinois.

Music scholarships are one of many ways the guilds serve both the Illinois Symphony Orchestra and the broader community. Anyone interested in contributing to the scholarship program is encouraged to contact the ISO office at (217) 522-2838.

About the ISO Guilds

The ISO's guilds welcome anyone with an enthusiasm for the Illinois Symphony Orchestra's contributions to our region's cultural and educational landscape — no auditions or musical talent required. Guild members support the ISO and the community through a wide range of activities, including:

• Fundraising efforts and pre-concert and post-concert receptions
• Musician housing and rehearsal dinners for ISO musicians
• Youth outreach, Concerts for Kids, Music Matters, and the Itsy Arts Emotions & Melodies Program
• Volunteering at the Midwest Food Bank
• Annual music scholarships for talented young musicians
• Serving on the Guild Board

For more information on how each guild supports the ISO and its activities, visit ilsymphony.org/guilds.

About the Illinois Symphony Orchestra

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra (ISO), under the inspiring leadership of Music Director Taichi Fukumura, is the premier professional orchestra of central Illinois—bringing world-class music to life for more than 35,000 patrons across Bloomington-Normal, Springfield, and surrounding communities. With thrilling symphony, Pops, and chamber performances, engaging Concerts for Kids, and intimate and immersive chamber experiences like the Sips & Sounds, Around the Town and Beyond the Stage performances, the ISO is redefining what a regional orchestra can be.

The ISO’s reach goes far beyond the concert hall. Through transformative education programs like Itsy Arts and Music Matters, the orchestra sparks creativity in pre-K and elementary classrooms, while guest artist residencies and ensemble visits connect with middle schools, high schools, universities, and senior centers—building lifelong relationships with music.

In 2020, the ISO expanded its mission by acquiring the Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony, now the Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestras (ISYO), serving over 300 young musicians through five progressive ensembles. With strong partnerships through its’ PEACE (Partnership in Education and Community Engagement) with UIS-Music and Illinois State University, the ISO is cultivating the next generation of artists, educators, and arts advocates. ISO’s annual operating budget is $1.6 million.

Additional information about the Illinois Symphony Orchestra is available at www.ilsymphony.org.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.

###