Amy Lestina Tonaki is in her 20th year of teaching orchestra in the Sycamore School District in Sycamore, IL. Alongside her husband and colleague, Ken Tonaki, Mrs. Tonaki jointly teaches orchestra for students grades 4 to 12, in addition to providing elementary cello and bass lessons. Mr. Sheppard says "I've had the pleasure of knowing and working with Amy through many different clinics, festivals, and school day tour visits over the past five or six years, and I've always been struck by the spirit of inquisitiveness, engagement, and joy for music and learning that I see in the classroom and with her students."

Mrs. Tonaki is no stranger to EYSO, having had two kids enrolled at various times. She holds a bachelor degree in music education from Augustana College and a masters in music from Northern Illinois University. She is a member of MENC and ASTA/NSOA and is active as a guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator around the state of Illinois. 

Outside of all of the teaching Mrs. Tonaki does, she enjoys playing the cello in the local community orchestra, Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra, as well as reading, yoga, traveling, cuddling with her two cats and playing music with her family: husband Ken (violinist), son Evan (cellist), and daughter Mia (violinist).

Welcome, Amy! We look forward to all you will bring to this period of Prelude.