A Welcoming First Orchestra Experience
MYSO’s Prelude Orchestra is the perfect beginner string orchestra and an ideal entry point into Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) for young musicians who are ready to take the next step beyond private lessons or school music classes. Designed for developing violin, viola, cello, and bass players, Prelude introduces the fundamentals of orchestral string playing in a fun, encouraging, and supportive environment tailored to elementary and middle school musicians.
Students learn essential ensemble skills, including listening, teamwork, music reading, rhythm, technique, and performance etiquette while rehearsing and performing engaging orchestral repertoire with peers of similar experience levels. Guided by experienced music educators, young musicians build confidence, strengthen their musical skills, and gain the experience needed to progress through MYSO’s nationally recognized youth orchestra program.
Whether your child is new to ensemble playing or looking for additional performance opportunities beyond their school orchestra, the Prelude String Orchestra provides a welcoming place to grow as a musician, make new friends, and experience the joy of making music together.
As the starting point for many MYSO students, Prelude creates a strong foundation for long-term musical growth, offering a clear pathway to more advanced ensembles and inspiring a lifelong love of music.
At a Glance
- Rehearsals generally on Monday afternoons/evenings
- Most students are in elementary school or early middle school
- Music Director: Mrs. Mary Pat Michels
Upcoming Events
The Prelude Orchestra Staff
Ryan Fitzpatrick
String Orchestra West Music Director
Ryan Fitzpatrick
String Orchestra West Music Director Ryan Fitzpatrick is a registered Suzuki cello teacher and has worked internationally with students, schools, and ensembles as a clinician. As an active member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas, he has completed training with Pam Devenport, Carey Beth Hockett, Barbara Wampner, Dr. Tanya Carey, Dr. Beth Cantrell, Dr. Shu-Yi Scott, Laura Shaw, and Avi Friedlander. He currently maintains an active Suzuki cello studio in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Prior to living in Milwaukee, Mr. Fitzpatrick was an Assistant Professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where he taught cello and Music Education courses preparing students for careers in Music Education. He also taught at the Fairbanks Suzuki School of Talent Education, the Anchorage Suzuki Institute, the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival, the Alaska Cello Intensive, and founded the Fairbanks Cello Festival. He has served as President of the Alaska chapter of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) and was a conductor for Fairbanks Youth Symphony Orchestra. He has been an active member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), served on the board for the Alaska Music Educators Association (AMEA), and been a regular presenter at various state Music Education conferences.
In addition to his teaching, Mr. Fitzpatrick has an active musical career across the United States as a soloist and chamber musician. He has given several regular solo recitals and performed in numerous orchestras, including serving as the assistant principal in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and participating in the Aspen Music Festival. Most recently, he was the principal cellist of the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra and a member of the Alaska Trio, which performed with pianists at the 2017 Yamaha International E-Piano Competition.
Mr. Fitzpatrick earned his degrees from Indiana University Bloomington and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His primary cello teachers have included Dr. Carol Semmes, Dr. Emilio Colón, and Daniel McDonough of the Jupiter String Quartet, with additional long-term studies with Richard Aaron, Dr. Helga Winold, and Marc Coppey.
Mr. Fitzpatrick currently performs on a 2017 William Whedbee cello.
