For violinist Anna Lena Derocher, playing one of the Violins of Hope instruments was unlike any musical experience she had ever known. The instrument in her hands carried not only sound, but history — the story of a musician who lived through one of humanity’s darkest chapters. In September, when Derocher and her stand partner
MYSO’s steel bands are about far more than rhythm or technique. For the students who gather each week to rehearse and perform, the program becomes a place of belonging, confidence, and personal growth — a community that shapes their lives both on and off the stage. Steel band director Tim Rush says that sense of
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
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
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
When Beth (Conradson) Cleary (‘97) first picked up the flute, she couldn’t have imagined how that moment would shape not only her future but her family’s, as well. As a young musician in MYSO, Beth discovered a world of possibilities she never knew existed—from bass flutes to avant-garde techniques that expanded her musical horizons. Years
Lauren Roznowski Hayden’s (‘02) musical journey began with a simple letter she received in sixth grade. That nomination to audition for MYSO would shape the course of her life. As a young viola player from Wauwatosa, Lauren was nervous for her first audition, but her dedication earned her a spot in the String Orchestra. The
by Ron Oshima “Join us on this remarkable journey as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of our treasured Community Partnership Programs (CPPs),” invites Linda Edelstein, CEO of Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO). “They exemplify our commitment to become more representative of the community we live in and work in,” she adds. MYSO’s ensemble format for
by Michelle Hoffman MYSO and the Senior Symphony recently teamed up with Make-A-Wish® (MAW®) Wisconsin to fulfill the 8,000th wish of the 40-year-old organization, a milestone achievement. Eighteen-year-old vocalist Lulu Altman harbored a dream: to perform on a grand stage accompanied by a large orchestra. On February 24, 2024, at the Bradley Symphony Center, Lulu’s
