Category: Profiles

Alumni Play On: Tim Klabunde, 1975

Tim Klabunde is assistant principal second violinist with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (MSO) and has worked with the orchestra for nearly forty years. Previously, he performed with the Prometheus Trio at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, and also taught violin at Cardinal Stritch University. Tim played violin in Music For Youth (MFY) from 1972-1975 under

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Alumni Play On: Stephanie Mortimore, 1989

Since its founding in 1956, Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra has impacted the lives of thousands of young musicians. Many of those young people pursued music as a career and have become professional musicians who play around the world. We are excited to share stories of some of these alumni with you in our 2018 Alumni

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Alumni Play On: Norma Zehner, 1972

Since its founding in 1956, Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra has impacted the lives of thousands of young musicians. Many of those young people pursued music as a career and have become professional musicians who play around the world. We are excited to share stories of some of these alumni with you in our 2018 Alumni

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MYSO says farewell to 108 graduating seniors

Each year we bid farewell to another group of graduating seniors. This year’s class was the largest ever with 108 graduates. With an average length of involvement spanning five years, these musicians have literally grown up with us. What they learn during their time with MYSO prepares a foundation for continued success. To demonstrate, we

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Flute choir Music Director Lenee Stevens retires

by Michelle Hoffman After more than 18 years of leading MYSO’s flute choirs, Lenee Stevens retired from her position of Music Director of our Chamber Flute Ensemble and Flute Chorale this spring. We reached out to several of the more than 400 flutists she has taught at MYSO. We are delighted to share some of

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Brusubardis family “graduates” after 15 years

by Michelle Hoffman After 15 years of continuous MYSO participation, the youngest of six musicians in the Brusubardis family has graduated this spring. The siblings make up the fourth generation of musicians in this family. All six: were leaders in their respective MYSO sections; were awarded the prestigious Dean Potokar Award which recognizes leadership, character,

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John Downey Creation Project in 13th Year

We’re thrilled to present nine world premiere performances of student compositions this year through the John Downey Creation Project, now in its 13th year. This initiative pairs a MYSO musician with a professional composer who guides the student through the intricate process of creating a brand new musical work. This program, a collaboration with Present

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Celebrating Carter Simmons’ 25th Anniversary

Artistic Director Carter Simmons is a legend in the hallways of MYAC. From his skill at weaving humor into the musical experience, otherwise known as “Carterisms,” to his expectations of excellence and his gift of communication, Mr. Simmons’ impact on MYSO is immeasurable. Here are a few of his reflections from his first 25 years

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Building Community…from 2,000 Miles Away

Maya Lawnicki, a violinist in Senior Symphony and an eight-year veteran of MYSO, has been helping to build a community of young musicians nearly 2,000 miles away in Guatemala, at an orphanage run by the School Sisters of St. Francis. The orphanage houses about 50 kids, and is in the town of Santa Apaloñia, which

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