Creating a Community of Change

Through collaborative partnerships, seeks to build community in the region in which we work and live.

MYSO Senior Symphony in Concert (2019-04-28) by Ron OshimaMilwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

MYSO Completes 64th Season.
Since 1956, Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) has been nurturing, challenging, and inspiring young minds through music, profoundly changing lives and our community for the better. MYSO has grown from one orchestra and 30 students to become the largest after-school youth orchestra in the country, and one of the most respected.

Young Violists (2005)Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

50% of our musicians represent students of color.

Young string players (2011-02-10) by Emily LukasekMilwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

40% of our students receive financial aid.

Young Violists (2012)Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

Our musicians are ages 8-18.

String Bass Players (2019-02-05) by Ron OshimaMilwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, composed of older advanced musicians, performing a concert in Milwaukee Youth Arts Center.

Steel Band Community Concert (2020-01-13) by Ron OshimaMilwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

Community Concerts
MYSO puts on more than 25 free concerts each year for more than 6,000 children attending Milwaukee area schools. At these concerts MYSO conducts peer-to-peer talk-back sessions to educate the students in the audience.

Steel Band Community Concert (2020-01-13) by Ron OshimaMilwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

Music for All
With these community concerts, MYSO's partnerships bring music to kids from many different backgrounds from the Greater Milwaukee area.

Soca Steel Band with Boys and Girls Clubs (2019-07-19) by Ron OshimaMilwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

Inclusion
During the summer, MYSO sponsors a two-week steel band camp with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee. The kids learn enough to put on a public concert at the end of camp.

MYSO Musicians rehearsing with "Black Violin" (2019-04-20) by Mallori TaylorMilwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

Crossover Fun
MYSO was invited to share the stage with Black Violin, an American hip hop duo with classical training. The one night performance at Uihlein Hall on April 20, 2019, played to a full house.

MYSO Receives Award from First Lady Michelle ObamaMilwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

In 2015, MYSO received the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award from First Lady Michelle Obama.

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