Welcome to the PHS Orchestra website!!!

Here at PHS, the CONCERT ORCHESTRA is the core performing instrumental ensemble of the orchestra department. The concert orchestra (violin, viola, cello, & bass) performs several concerts at school and abroad. We also join forces with the select members of the band to present concerts throughout the year that are not to be missed! Students must have played their grade school orchestra instrument for a minimum of 3 years or demonstrate an equivalent level of musical ability. Enrollment is permitted only by audition and approval of the orchestra director. Out of this core group, CHAMBER ENSEMBLES and the PHS STRING QUARTET are formed. 

PHS Orchestra members have gone to hear the Chicago Symphony, the St. Louis Symphony, the House of Blues, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and many other outstanding musical events. We invite special conductors, musical artists, and orchestras to perform for our students every year. These special events serve to increase your child's awareness of the opportunities in the arts outside of the school environment. Our ultimate goal is to promote lifelong learning and enjoyment of the arts!

Mr. Warner, Orchestra Director & Music Director. 

Mr. Warner is the director of orchestras at Peoria High School and Lincoln Middle School. Mr. Warner also teaches courses in music theory, music composition, music technology, and group piano. In addition to working for the Peoria Public Schools, Mr. Warner teaches music education courses at Bradley University.  Mr. Warner is an honors graduate of the DePaul University School of Music. He also received his master's in music education from Eastern Illinois University and is currently pursuing a doctorate in music education.

As a teacher, Mr. Warner has received the GRAMMY Signature Schools Community Award, the Kiwanis Club of Peoria Outstanding Teacher Award, the Mary Maxwell Excellence in Education Award, and the WIU Most Inspirational Teacher Award for his work in the music classroom. He has also served as the ILMEA Dist. 2 orchestra representative and judged numerous IGSMA, IHSA, ILMEA districts, and ILMEA All-State competitions throughout his career.

Mr. Warner began his violin studies at age three and continued private studies with members of the Peoria Symphony, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He has served as principal viola with the Music at First, the Trinity Fine Arts Concert Series, and as a current member of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Warner has performed with numerous orchestral ensembles at various prestigious venues, including the Ravinia Festival and Orchestra Hall in Chicago. Additionally, Mr. Warner has performed at the Colorado College Summer Music Festival, recently featured on the acclaimed PBS program Now Hear This. Mr. Warner has also participated in violin competitions ranging from fiddle to classical and has served as a judge for many professional concerto competitions. Mr. Warner is also a proud alum of the 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, & 1999 Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps.

Mr. Warner has provided professional development opportunities for teachers throughout the Peoria Public Schools and has served as a guest clinician for various districts in the Midwest. Mr. Warner has also successfully obtained grants, scholarships, and community resources to provide additional opportunities for his students.