Philharmonia violinist and Progressions graduate Autumn Mays was awarded the national title of Outstanding American Miss Jr Teen 2018 on April 14. She had previously won the pageant’s National Talent title for her violin solos in 2016 and 2017. Congrats to Senior Symphony Co-Concertmaster Julian Rhee who, as part of the Kairos String Quartet from
An interview with MYSO’s Artistic Director, Carter Simmons, provided the foundation for this article. Mr. Simmons met Professor Tom Dvorak as an undergraduate in North Carolina, and followed him to UW-Milwaukee for his graduate work. The rest, as they say, is history. Professor Tom Dvorak, MYSO’s esteemed Wind Ensemble Music Director, has been appointed as
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
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,
Senior Symphony Co-Concertmaster Arianna Brusubardis has been named to the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America for 2018. In early summer, this elite group gathers for a three-week training residency at Purchase College, State University of New York, with leading professional orchestra musicians on the faculty. Following the residency, the orchestra embarks
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
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
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
