January 29, 2025
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Starved Rock Country Community Foundation grant allows 1,000 students to be introduced to orchestra music

3rd through 5th graders in Ottawa, Streator feeder schools to benefit

By Derek Barichello
The Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra recently received a $1,000 grant from the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation to expose children to orchestral music. Pictured are (from left) IVSO Treasurer Peggy Etheridge; IVSO Board member Laurel Maze; SRCCF Board Chair Tracy Bedeker; and SRCCF President Fran Brolley.

The Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra recently received a $1,000 grant from the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation to expose children to orchestral music. Pictured are (from left) IVSO Treasurer Peggy Etheridge; IVSO Board member Laurel Maze; SRCCF Board Chair Tracy Bedeker; and SRCCF President Fran Brolley. (Photo provided by Fran Brolley)

The Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra will introduce elementary students to orchestra music and instruments this spring thanks in part to the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation.

Students in third through fifth grades from Ottawa and Streator high school feeder schools will benefit from a $1,000 SRCCF community grant. Up to 1,000 students will be engaged through an ongoing program serving students in the eastern half of La Salle County this year and the western half next year.

“The grant will help us encourage young students to get into music and expose them to orchestral music,” said IVSO board member Laurel Maze in a news release. “Ultimately, we hope some will excel on an instrument and one day perform with our orchestra.”

IVSO conductor Daniel Sommerville will introduce each orchestral section to the students and instruments in each section at concerts at Ottawa and Streator schools Friday, Feb. 28.

The Symphony, founded in 1950, is celebrating “75 Seasons of Splendor!” in 2024-25.

For information on Starved Rock Country Community Foundation community grants, visit srccf.org or call Janice Corrigan at 815-252-2906, ext. 2.

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