MYSO serves 1,000 young musicians ages 8-18 from as many as 215 schools, 60 communities and 14 counties throughout southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois making it one of the largest organizations of its kind in the United States. MYSO’s programs foster critical thinking skills, creativity and collaboration through more than 40 ensemble and enrichment options, […]
2026–Today: 70 YEARS Read More »
One day, Nolan started to lose feeling in his feet. Then he had trouble standing, balancing, and walking.  He had a rare bone cyst on his spine, an MRI showed. Nolan’s mother, Katie, says, “I passed the phone to Nolan, and he talked to the neurologist. And I remember . . . the look
being yourself through music Read More »
Spreading the word about the role of mental health in healing the body is a passion of Metropolitan Symphony cellist Ashley Bongard. And for her, music fosters that healing process. Embracing this cause led to this 16-year-old from Brookfield to be selected as a Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) National Champion, one of only ten kids
Finding Well-being Through Music​ Read More »
Alex Chen began playing the violin in fourth grade and joined the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) in 2018. Over the years, he advanced through the program, building meaningful connections with his mentors and fellow musicians. Through his time with MYSO, Alex developed not only technical skill and artistry, but also a deep appreciation for
The Healing Power of Music Read More »
The Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) served as the exclusive presenter of Violins of Hope–Wisconsin, partnering with more than 64 organizations statewide to showcase 70 instruments restored from the Holocaust between September 2025 and January 2026. The powerful residency welcomed more than 3,500 students and reached thousands more across the state, creating a profound and
2025: Violins of Hope- Wisconsin Residency Read More »
 When Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra first launched the Prelude Wind Ensemble as part of its innovative Community Partnership Programs, the vision was clear: to expand access to high-quality music education for young musicians who might not otherwise have the opportunity. Created as an immersive two-year training program for fifth and sixth-grade students living or attending
2022: Prelude Wind Ensemble formed Read More »
MYSO was selected as winner of the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award Nov 12, 2015, MYSO receives the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award, the country’s highest honor for after-school youth arts programs, presented by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. MYSO received the award from First Lady Michelle Obama in the
2015: National Recognition Read More »
Calypso, MYSO’s first steel pan experience, was created in 2007. When Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra launched its steel pan program, the goal was to create a vibrant, culturally rich musical experience for middle and high school students who live or attend school in the City of Milwaukee. Calypso was the first ensemble established, offering students
2007: Creation of Calypso Steel Band Read More »
MYSO moved into the acclaimed Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, a collaborative initiative of MYSO and First Stage, in Milwaukee’s historic Schlitz Park. Various parts of this industrial building served in different roles in its history. One section was a Journal Company distribution center. A section of the building built in the 1920s was used by
2005: MYSO MOVES TO MYAC Read More »
