The Early Years

A historical narrative of MYSO's journey through the decades.

In the beginning... (1956)Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra was established in 1956 within the Children's Arts Program (CAP).

Milwaukee Art Institute (1956)Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

This organization was sponsored by the Junior League of Milwaukee, the Rotary Club of Greater Milwaukee, and The Milwaukee Art Institute.

MFY/MYSO Founder Milton Weber (1955)Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

The first CAP orchestra (known as the "CAPsters") was led by Milton Weber, conductor of the nearby Waukesha Symphony Orchestra and Carroll College professor of music.

Early CAP Symphony Concert Program (1957-05-12)Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

Porgram for May 12, 1957 concert at the Central YMCA.

MYSO's first orchestra (1956)Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

Thirty young musicians made up the first CAP Symphony Orchestra.

Early Children's Arts Program BrochureMilwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

Early Children's Arts Program season brochure.

Early Music For Youth Brochure (1960)Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

In the late 1950s The Children's Arts Program orchestra became a new organization: Music for Youth.

"MFY II," MYSO's 2nd orchestra (1967-09-01)Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

The orchestra grew and later expanded into multiple ensembles. Pictured here is the Music For Youth Orchestra II, conducted by Bernard Stepner in 1967.

Music For Youth Symphony Concert Program (1964-05-17)Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

Music For Youth concert program, 1963-64 season.

Young string players in MFY/MYSO's third orchestra (1967)Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

MFY/MYSO's third orchestra in 1967.

Woodwind and brass players, MFY's top orchestra (1985)Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

Membership grew to nearly 450 students by the mid-1980s.

Violinists in MFY's top orchestra (1985)Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

MFY/MYSO's advanced string players, c. 1985.

French horn players in MFY's top orchestra (1984)Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

French horn players in MFY/MYSO's most advanced orchestra, c. 1985.

String Players at MFY Summer Camp (1984)Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

Young string players enjoy an outdoor rehearsal at MFY/MYSO Summer Camp in the mid-1980s.

Brass players at MFY Summer Camp (1984)Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

Brass players rehearse outside at MFY/MYSO Summer Camp in the mid-1980s.

MFY/MYSO's top orchestra (1988)Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

By 1988, Music For Youth was renamed Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra. Margery Deutsch was hired as Music Director of its flagship orchestra, now called the Senior Symphony.

Young Violists (2012)Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

Launched in 2003 with a 22-student pilot, Progressions is the cornerstone program of our innovative Community Partnership Program.

MYSO Scholars Young String Players Rehearsing (2018-03-11) by Joshua TebowMilwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

From its roots in Progressions, our Community Partnership Program, which seeks to bring music education to students who often face barriers to music education, has grown to include nine diverse musical offerings (including jazz and steel pan), and serves nearly 350 kids in direct music education.

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