ISO Guild of Bloomington-Normal

03/06/2026

02/26/2026

02/22/2026

🎉 Join us in wishing the happiest of birthdays to ISO’s Resident Conductor and ISYO’s Conductor, Jacobsen Woollen! 🎉

We’re grateful for his incredible artistry and passion—here’s to another year of inspiring music and unforgettable performances! 🥳🎶

Photo Credit: Javed Rassi

02/14/2026

02/13/2026

ISO Violinist Maria Emmons visited Corner Stone Academy in Bloomington on Thursday, February 12, as part of the Music Matters program. Maria played music from around the world. She talked about emotions in music. She asked the children to describe the mood they heard in the music she played.

02/13/2026

02/11/2026

Brett Thole was surprised when they asked if he knew this song. He delivered and the 75 plus curious and enthusiastic students during a Music Matters event at Corpus Christi School learned about the saxophone and music in general. Music Matters is an in-school enrichment program for students in K-6th grades provided by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. Learn more at https://www.ilsymphony.org/education/music-matters

12/08/2025

Six outstanding celebrity community members competed in the Celebrity Conductor Challenge hosted by the Illinois Symphony Guild of Bloomington-Normal. This unique fundraiser encouraged the community to make donations in honor of their candidate with the winner being the one who raised the most support for the ISO.

The votes are in, and the winner of the Celebrity Conductor Challenge is Tom Carroll, University Professor, Leadership Consultant, Board Leader, Yoga Teacher & World Traveler! Tom will make his debut with the ISO at our Holiday Pops in the Heartland concert on Saturday, December 13th conducting Leroy Anderson's classic Sleigh Ride.

The challenge raised more than $18,500 to support the many inspiring experiences provided by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra.

12/03/2025

The race is tight! Who will take the podium?

It's still anyone's opportunity to WIN. Cast your vote by making a donation in support of your favorite candidate. ilsymphony.org/celebrityconductor

12/03/2025

You can almost hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring-ting-tingling too! The big question is… who will take the podium to lead YOUR Illinois Symphony Orchestra in Leroy Anderson’s holiday classic, Sleigh Ride?

🎁 TODAY is the FINAL day to make your donation and help your favorite candidate earn this festive honor!

Don’t miss your chance—visit ilsymphony.org/celebrityconductor and cast your vote with a donation NOW!

Let’s make this holiday season unforgettable!

11/26/2025