Programs

Mississippi Youth Symphony Orchestra

MYSO consists of young, talented musicians learning and sharing the challenge of performing a repertoire of orchestral selections for the people of Mississippi and beyond.

Mission

The mission of the Mississippi Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) is to provide the youth of Mississippi with orchestral experience under the guidance of professional musicians in a stimulating atmosphere of mutual learning and respectful cooperation and to reach out to the people of Mississippi with orchestral performances.

Brief History

The MYSO is an educational program of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra (MSO). It has operated as an organization supporting young musicians for more than 58 years. Theodore Caskey Russell was the youth orchestra’s founder and first conductor. Since then, the youth orchestra has been under the direction of many dedicated, professional and talented MSO musicians. The youth orchestra has continued to thrive through the unyielding efforts of the conductors, parents, the parents’ governing board, volunteers and young musicians.

Composition

The MYSO is composed of three groups at different levels of skill and draws students from public, private, and home schools from around the state. Participating students are as young as seven and no older than 22. We are approximately 80 members strong and growing.

Strings I + II - This program teaches ensemble playing and encourages musical achievement while motivating the student.
Intermediate Youth Orchestra - This program focuses on more sophisticated repertoires, orchestral techniques, and performance.
Advanced Youth Symphony Orchestra - This program focuses on the more advanced repertoire aimed at pre-college and college levels for the serious student of music.

Rehearsals & Performances

All three MYSO groups meet regularly on Sunday afternoons to prepare for public appearances, recruiting tours, and concert performances. Two main concerts are provided for the people of Mississippi in the Fall and Spring of each concert year. Concert admission is FREE. However, donations are accepted and appreciated.

Tours & Trips

MYSO strives to take end-of-the-year trips. In 1994, the Senior and Junior Orchestras attended a competition in Dallas, TX and in 1996, MYSO performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. In 2000, MYSO traveled to Beijing, China and the Intermediate Strings and Beginning Cadets performed in competition in Orlando, FL (Disneyworld). In 2002, MYSO traveled to Europe. They performed and toured London, Paris, Vienna, Salzburg, and Munich. In 2003, Beginning Cadets and Intermediate Strings performed in competition in Orlando, FL (Universal Studios). In 2005, MYSO performed on the American Queen Steamboat boarding at the Oak Alley Plantation in New Orleans, LA. In 2006, MYSO performed in the USM Wind & Brass Ensemble Competition in Hattiesburg, MS and in the Music Fest in Orlando. A MYSO ensemble performed at the IBC 2006 Artist Reception in Jackson, MS. In 2007, MYSO performed and toured in Costa Rica (San Jose, San Carlos, La Fortuna, Nicoya and Samara).

Supporting MYSO

The operating budget of MYSO is supported partly through member tuition, concert program ad sales and occasional fundraising projects. The balance is funded through the generous donations from individuals and businesses interested in promoting talented and inspirational musicians. Additional options are available to provide support to MYSO, such as student sponsorships, service donations, seniors’ book scholarships and underwriting travel expenses. Contact us for more information on how to support MYSO.

Auditions

Auditions for the 2010-11 MYSO will be on September 3 from 5-7 pm and on September 4 from 10 am to 1 pm at Jackson State University.

Fees and Tuition

Non-refundable audition and application processing fees are paid prior to auditioning for MYSO. Tuition depends upon orchestra group placement.

Contact:
Deborah Runyan President
601-497-7947
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

 

MSO President & Executive Director

Michael Beattie

MSO Director of Education

Alejandro Encinas

Mailing Address

Mississippi Youth Symphony Orchestra
P.O. Box 2052
Jackson, MS 39225-2052

 

Concert Calendar