Prairie Wind Ensemble

The Prairie Wind Ensemble is a 70-member adult symphonic band with membership drawn from Central Illinois and the greater Peoria area. The ensemble is in residence at Illinois Central College, East Peoria, IL and gratefully acknowledges the support of ICC, the Academic Dean of Arts and Communication Department and music staff that help make the union possible. The band has a rich history owed to its founder, Conductor Emeritus Dr. Donald Lewellen, who created the ensemble in 1977. Dr. Lewellen led the band until his retirement in 2003. Robert Sheldon, composer and band editor for Alfred Publishing Company took over the group from 2003 until 2010. Dr. Joseph Manfredo conducted the ensemble from 2011 through 2015. The current Music Director of the Prairie Wind Ensemble is David Maccabee.