Youth-in-the-Arts Performances at Governor's Mansion

The Illinois Governor’s Mansion Association is staging a series of youth-in-the-arts performances at the newly renovated People’s House. The series is part of a Families First initiative undertaken by the association to showcase the work of talented Illinois youth.

A public holiday open house with Gov. Bruce Rauner and First Lady Diana Rauner takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 1, preceding the first youth performance of the series.

The performances, which will take place at 3 p.m. the first three Saturdays in December, are designed to appeal to families with children ages 3 through 12. Admission to each performance is free. Seating is limited and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. All are at the Governor’s Mansion, located at 410 E. Jackson St. in Springfield. 

“We are excited to offer this opportunity to showcase the talents of Central Illinois youth in the performing arts,” said Diana Rauner, who also is chairwoman of the Illinois Governor’s Mansion Association, a private, nonprofit organization. “We welcome local families and guests to attend these unique performances by exceptional students this holiday season.”

Performance dates and group information follow:

Saturday, Dec. 1:Fleming Academy of Performing Arts

Established in 1985 by its director, Trudy Fleming, the Fleming Academy of Performing Arts offers violin, viola, piano and chamber orchestra instructional programs for children and adults, with pupils as young as 3. Leaders at the Springfield-based academy follow the Dr. Shinichi Suzuki method, emphasizing parental involvement, self-discipline and positive reinforcement as well as performance opportunities such as this one. Fleming Academy musicians have delighted audiences at the Governor’s Mansion, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and Busch Stadium, among other venues locally and abroad.             

Saturday, Dec. 8:Debbie Eddy Flute Choir 

This flute choir was formed in 1985 with the goal of helping each player to reach his or her potential — with group spirit, cooperation and pride of accomplishment as intrinsic characteristics. Students include high school and college students as well as adults, all working together to make joyful music. Over the past three decades, group members have performed for hundreds of audiences, including faith groups, historical societies, school students, seniors, disabled groups, arts groups and international visitors.

Saturday, Dec. 15: Springfield Youth Performance Group                

The Springfield Youth Performance Group, or SYPG, offers Central Illinois children ages 7 years and older the chance to explore and enhance their dramatic, artistic, performing-arts talents. Since 2005, the group has been providing young people with the opportunity to perform in large-scale productions on stage with other children. The nonprofit, charitable organization is dedicated to bringing the performing arts to life.

Gov. Rauner and the First Lady also invite the public to consider membership in the Illinois Governor’s Mansion Association, and to join them at a members’ reception at 5 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 1. Registration is required. To register or for more information, click on “upcoming events” at illinoismansion.org, or call 217-782-6450. 

The mansion will be decorated for the holidays courtesy of many volunteers and numerous donations. Additionally, the Illinois Christmas Tree Association has generously donated fresh evergreens for outdoor decorations.