School of Music

Adjunct Instructor

B.M.E., M.M., Illinois State University

A violinist and violist, Mrs. Bryant received both her Bachelor and Masters of Music Education Degrees from Illinois State University. She is currently an adjunct instructor in the Music Department of Illinois Wesleyan University and performed for 20 years with the Classic Touch Quartet.

Mrs. Bryant came to the Unit 5, Normal, Illinois schools in 1968 after teaching in Carbondale and Elmhurst and was asked to start the String Program district-wide in 1969. The first two years included running an experimental string class for Paul Rolland as part of his U of I String Project which eventually became a highly respected text. She retired in 1993 after having built it into a highly regarded program with an award winning orchestra at Normal Community High School.

Maestra Deanne Bryant has been the Director of the Bloomington Normal Youth Symphony since January, 1995. Mrs. Bryant has guest conducted festival orchestras and adjudicated contests for the Illinois High School Association, Illinois Grade School Association, and Illinois Elementary School Association, as well as others. She has served in many capacities as an active member of the National Music Educators Conference including Orchestra Division Vice President for Illinois Music Educators Association for two consecutive three-year terms. She also served on the Board and the Executive Board of I.M.E.A. during that time.

In 2006, Mrs. Bryant was received the Distinguished Service Award from the American String Teachers Association, Illinois Division for her dedication to the profession and promotion of string teaching in Illinois. She has served as an "on line" mentor for the MEfNC Orchestra division several times.