Your gift transforms lives through the power of music education.
When you give to the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, you’re not just giving money. You’re giving hope. You’re seeing yourself in 1,000 students who develop key life skills and stay healthy – mentally, emotionally, and socially – through music education.
Thank you for seeing yourself in hope – and for believing in the transformative power of music education.
“Music can be everything…a voice, a lifeline, a mirror.”
Alex Chen, a 2025 MYSO graduate, played violin for seven years in MYSO and served as concertmaster on our 2025 tour of Poland and the Czech Republic.
“Music doesn’t offer solutions — it offers presence,” Alex says. “In a world where mental health struggles often go unseen, music becomes a voice, a lifeline, a mirror. It reminds us we’re not alone — that someone, somewhere, felt what we’re feeling and turned it into something beautiful.”
Now studying actuarial science at UW–Madison, Alex adds:
“MYSO taught me how to work with others, stay focused, and support the people around me. Even if I’m not playing in an orchestra, music will always be a part of who I am.”
Please see yourself in hope — and support students like Alex.
finding well-being through music
Ashley’s interest in music was sparked early. When she was five years old, Barbara took her to an outdoor concert at the Marcus Performing Arts Center. She pointed to the stage, exclaiming, “Mom, I want to be THERE!” (The concert turned out to be a MYSO performance.) Barbara told Ashley, “well, in order to do that, you have to play an instrument. And after that, you have to practice. A LOT.” Ashley determinedly replied, “I’m going to do it.”
A year later, the sound of the cello drew her in. She was hooked.
A long-time patient at Children’s Wisconsin, Ashley visited a long
list of specialty clinics, dealing with a variety of chronic medical conditions
since birth. When Ashley was in fourth grade, she recalls one of her doctors wanted her to drop her extra-curricular activities—ballet, volleyball, and music—to focus on her health and reduce her stress levels. Her mom recounted her pleading, “Mom, they can take everything from me, but not my cello…please not my cello!” They made an exception for Ashley’s cello lessons, and eventually, gave her the go-ahead to audition for MYSO. She has been playing in MYSO’s orchestras for six years. In addition, she enjoys singing—another therapeutic musical experience for her—and recently auditioned into the top choir at school as a soprano.
Help foster the well-being of kids like Ashley through musical opportunities!
“When you’re struggling with your health, it’s important to find something else to focus on. And for me that has been music, specifically cello. It’s a way to express my emotions and a great way to distract me from pain. I don’t have to think about anything else. Of course, it’s also really fun, and I’ve made some of my closest friends through MYSO. I look forward to it, and it gives me a reason to push through what I’m going through. It’s been so helpful for my mental and emotional well-being.”
See Yourself in Their Success
Finding confidence at myso
MYSO has made me a lot happier, a lot more confident in certain areas…my grades got better…it makes me feel really good, and it’s really fun to perform for people.”
being yourself through music
“I can just be myself playing my violin,” Nolan says. “I don’t have to worry
about anything. The only thing I have to worry about is turning the page (his
sheet music) in time.
“It’s really nice to just have this thing you do that allows you to be yourself. I’m lucky that I have it.”
Nolan Gabor wanted a two-part name for his violin and his bow.
He thought about it, and then “I got it!” he recalls, snapping his fingers.
“Rocky Rococo. That’s perfect. The best pizza joint in the state. Rococo–that’s the violin. Together, Rocky and Rococo!”
Nolan’s been delivering Rocky Rococo to MYSO for four years – progressing
through our ensembles.
Please see yourself in hope – and support students like Nolan as they
advance and thrive in MYSO.