Life at MYSO

More Than Just a Music Program

Find joy, passion and inspiration at MYSO, the largest after-school youth orchestra in the country, and one of the most respected. Connect with like-minded highly motivated young musicians and make new friends. Train in the custom acoustically-designed Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, the only facility of its kind in the U.S. Stand out in the college application process with your record of advancement in MYSO. Participate in any one of 40 ensembles and supplemental training programs ranging from symphony and string orchestras, percussion, jazz, and steel pan ensembles to music theory and composition classes and international tours.

Learn from our accomplished leadership and educators

We employ some of the most accomplished music educators in the region, who blend creativity and pedagogical expertise with great breadth of musical knowledge. Our master classes provide exposure to the talents of Milwaukee area and visiting professional musicians.

Students rehearse weekly throughout the season at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, giving concerts in a wide variety of venues throughout the region.

The structure of MYSO programming includes beginning, intermediate, and advanced ensembles, creating a ladder for advancement throughout their participation.

Student participants must audition each season for membership, as well as for seating assignments within their ensemble.

From Our Students

"This is my 3rd year in MYSO. Over the years, I seen so many talented people and thought how did I make it here? But this year I've seen myself engaging more and trying to be like them. I strive to do better and find my passions before my wishes. My passion is violin and my wish is to be in a real symphony."

NahsialisString Orchestra Central

"I started in Wind Ensemble. At first, (MYSO) seemed interesting, it seemed like a fun activity, but when I started doing it, it was really eye-opening. It was really fun to find your place in a big group and play music.” So what kept you coming back? “For me, it was the friends I was able to make in my section. I was enthusiastic about learning and so this idea of preparing for something [challenging] as a group… that was exciting. And I looked forward to being directed by someone who had a lot of experience in that field."

CarlosSenior Symphony

"Every time I come here, I have a smile on my face because performing with musicians that have the same passion for music and a bit of silliness pulls us together as family. And when we work together, we’re rocking. It’s a ton of fun. I can’t wait for next year!"

KyrstynaJazz

"To be surrounded by students who love music as I do is just incredible. When these other students with the same energy as I have come into the room and we play, there’s magic in the room, like (snaps fingers) immediately."

Malik, 2017 GraduateSenior Symphony

"It taught me to never give up, even if I want to."

Lauren, 5th GradePrelude

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Do you want to join MYSO?

Being a MYSO member is a rewarding experience that drives a student’s musical, learning, and social skills. If you’d like to learn more about the audition process, sign up to be notified!

If you are interested in auditioning for MYSO’s 2021-22 season, please fill out this form. You will be added to a mailing list and contacted once information about auditions is released and posted on our website.

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