Emma Hartzell

Emma Hartzell joined the Peoria Symphony Orchestra staff as the Development Associate in July 2023, after working as a professional music educator for eight years.  Originally from Eureka, IL, Emma went on to study music education at Western Illinois University in Macomb.  During her tenure, she taught private lessons through the Community Music School hosted on WIU’s campus.  In the summer of 2015, she accepted her first teaching position at Illini Bluffs CUSD in Glasford, IL, where she spent four years teaching choral and elementary general music to students grades 5-12.  Beginning in 2019, Emma held the position of Director of Choral Activities at Limestone Community High School in Bartonville, IL, where she taught theatre and choral music courses.  In addition, Emma directed the fall play and spring musical productions, and served as the director and coordinator of the renowned LCHS Madrigal Dinner.  During her four years teaching at LCHS, she gained additional experience in leadership by serving on the Curriculum Council and Lead Teacher Committees.

Emma is an active performing musician in the Peoria Area, and has recently sung with the Bradley Community Choir, Peoria Area Civic Chorale, and the Peoria Bach Festival Choir.  She was a sustaining performer of the Peoria Lumiere Chamber Choir under the direction of Dr. John Jost, professor emeritus of Choral Music at Bradley University, for the lifetime of the ensemble. 

Emma holds a Master of Music Education from VanderCook College of Music, and Bachelor of Music Education with a 5-12 teaching endorsement in English from Western Illinois University.