The Central Illinois Youth Symphony is based in Peoria but draws young musicians from all over the region, including Bloomington, Morton, Pontiac and Springfield. (Photo courtesy of Central Illinois Youth Symphony)

It began 50 years ago and, as the saying goes, the rest is history.

After noticing a need in the community, a group of Peoria teachers in 1966 decided to form a group outside the walls of a traditional school setting for music-loving students.

The Central Illinois Youth Symphony, or CIYS, has not only endured the test of time, it has grown and evolved the past five decades. As the group celebrates its golden milestone, CIYS’ executive director is waxing nostalgic and looking to the future.

“We’ve grown over time, and we’re definitely not just for advanced students,” said Amy Zordan, who helms the group. “This is a place for students as young as 7 or 8 years old, all the way up to high school.”

While the CIYS has stayed true to its Peoria roots from the get-go, the mix of students taking part in the group’s rehearsals and concerts has broadened. Most of this year’s roster of 155 students are from Peoria, but participants also hail from such communities as Bloomington, Morton, Pontiac and Springfield.

“We’re a little more diverse than we used to be,” Zordan said. “We have some students that will drive an hour-and-a-half to be part of this, and we rehearse on Thursday nights, so they are going out of their way.”

The group’s rehearsals have taken place at several venues throughout the immediate Peoria area. Their current practice venue is the Life Together Center within the First Federated Church of Peoria.

“I think this is where we’re going to be for a long time,” Zordan said.

Zordan has held the leadership role since 2012, but her roots with CIYS extend far deeper. At one point, she was on the other side of the conductor’s podium and was a student participant.

CIYS is culminating its 2015-16 season Sunday, April 17, and the roster of activities could, perhaps, point to how much the group has evolved over time. Two shows are being incorporated into the spring program — the first, a traditional concert, and the second one featuring a series of collaborative pieces with the Peoria Ballet.

The Peoria Ballet, incidentally, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year as well — a tidbit Zordan attributes to “a nice coincidence” for both organizations.

From Zordan’s vantage point, the second component of this year’s spring performance is an important part of CIYS’ future. Moving forward, Zordan said her aim is to forge more relationships with Peoria’s arts community — and, at the same time, raise the organization’s profile.

When asked about the group’s future, Zordan said, “I envision us having more of a presence in Peoria and elsewhere in Central Illinois. So many people don’t know about us yet, and we have all these great musicians.”

In addition to the Peoria Ballet, Zordan said her goal is to forge partnerships with such groups as the Peoria Symphony Orchestra.

The 50-year milestone is just a pit stop in CIYS’ history, as Zordan sees it, but this also is a time to bask briefly in success. Since that first group of students joined, CIYS has served 3,300 budding musicians. It has been a harmonious experience ever since, Zordan said.

AT A GLANCE

WHO: Central Illinois Youth Symphony student participants

WHAT: spring concert and commemoration of organization’s 50th anniversary

WHEN: 2 p.m. Sunday, April 17

WHERE: Metamora High School, 101 W. Madison St., Metamora

COST: $10 for adults, $5 for children; proceeds benefit future programs

INFORMATION: call (309) 370-6424 or visit www.ciys.org

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Central Illinois Youth Symphony reaches 50-year milestone

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