What we do:
Fundraising Efforts
The Guild supports the ISO through year-round fundraising events, including the Fall Gala, Celebrity Conductor Challenge, Fashion Notes High Tea & Fashion Show, Music as Medicine, and Lavender & Lemons Kitchen Tour.
Concerts for Kids
Central Illinois students attend a live ISO concert geared for young listeners at the concert hall. The Guild provides a brunch for the ISO musicians between concerts.
Pre-Concert Dinners
The Guild organizes pre-concert dinners at Second Presbyterian Church for those attending the Illinois Symphony Chamber Orchestra concerts.
Musician Housing
Guild members volunteer to host musicians in their homes during concert weeks.
Post-Concert Receptions
Following Symphony Concerts, the guild hosts receptions to provide a venue for audience and musicians to interact.
Social Events
Guild members share a common love of orchestral music and value the ISO’s contribution to our community. We enjoy each other’s company through Guild parties, mahjong, bridge, book club, and other fun events!
Youth Outreach
Music Matters! An award-winning classroom program for K-6 students organized by Guild volunteers and taught by ISO musicians.
Itsy Arts: Emotions & Melodies A creative outreach program for preschoolers and their caregivers.
Music Scholarships Annual awards supporting private lessons and summer music camps for students in grades 8-11.
Instrument Playground Hands-on exhibits that give young children the chance to explore and play musical instruments.
Guild Leadership
As members get involved, some make the choice to serve on the Guild Board to help lead the many inspiring experiences the Guild organizes or creates throughout a season. Guild leadership during our 2026-2027 includes the below list of members.
Guild Officers
Peggy Hundley, Guild President
Deb West, Vice President, Development
Marilyn Mertz, Vice President, Education
Debi Woodring Grossman, Vice President, Membership
Elaine Cousins, Vice President, Community Engagement
Joy Szmaj, Secretary, Corresponding
Toy Ackerman, Secretary, Recording
Ruth Ann Friedberg, Treasurer
Guild Directors
JoEllen Bahnsen
Fran Brandau
Laurie Burke
Anita Carney
Carol Chrisman
Marilyn Freese
Pat Grosso
Terry Huff
Lynda Lane
Debbie Leighton
Karen O‘Shea
Paula Pratt
Arlene Stark
Join an amazing community of inspiring volunteers!
