Angie Pierce

WYSO | Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras

Enriching Lives by Providing Transformational Musical Experiences and Opportunities Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras (WYSO) was established in 1966 by Professor Marvin Rabin of the University of Wisconsin-Extension Music Department. More than 5000 young musicians from more than 100 communities in southern Wisconsin have participated in WYSO during its 51 years of existence. WYSO, currently under the artistic direction of Kyle Knox, includes three full orchestras and two string orchestras, a chamber music program, a harp program, a percussion ensemble, brass ensembles, a flute choir, and the WYSO Music Makers Program. The WYSO program is a not-for-profit organization, depending upon many diverse constituencies for its financial stability. Students who successfully audition into the WYSO program are assessed a tuition fee that represents only about 30% of the total cost to sponsor a WYSO student musician. Scholarship funds are available for season tuition, private lesson support, and international touring. The Music Makers Program is a pay-as-you-can program for kids who may not have ever picked up an instrument before.