The Minnesota Orchestra is supported by a dedicated
community-wide arm of volunteerism.
WAMSO—Minnesota
Orchestra Volunteer Association reaches over 10,000 children
and adults each year through its music education programs.
YPSCA, the Young People's Symphony Concert
Association, has supported the Orchestra's longest-running
education program, Young People's Concerts, since 1911.
WAMSO—Minnesota Orchestra Volunteer Association
WAMSO is the primary volunteer support group for the Minnesota Orchestra. Founded in 1949, WAMSO originally stood for Women's Association of the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra. Today, WAMSO members and volunteers include men and women from various backgrounds and experiences, from students to retirees.
Over the years, WAMSO has contributed more than $10 million to the Minnesota Orchestra. WAMSO also contributes over 500 volunteers who donate more than 10,000 hours each year.
WAMSO—Minnesota Orchestra Volunteer Association is a nonprofit corporation of volunteers that qualifies as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.
For complete information, visit WAMSO.org.
Education Programs
Kinder Konzerts
Kinder Konzerts have been the first exposure to classical music for thousands of young people. Since 1978, Kinder Konzerts have introduced four- and five-year-old children to Minnesota Orchestra musicians, their music and Orchestra Hall. Children are invited onstage with the Minnesota Orchestra musicians to hear a narrated concert designed especially for children. They also experience a Sound Factory, a guided workshop providing children the chance to make sounds on real instruments.
Kinder Konzerts on the Road
In cooperation with the Minnesota Orchestra, WAMSO brings Kinder Konzerts on the Road to kindergarten through third grade students in metro area schools. The program provides children with personal experiences with musicians, orchestral music and instruments. It provides teachers with material for interdisciplinary links between music, literacy and math.
Family Concert Lobby Activities
At select Minnesota Orchestra Family Concerts on Sunday afternoons, WAMSO volunteers lead children and their families in hands-on music activities in the Orchestra Hall lobby. Designed by a music educator, activities enhance the concert experience and spark musical conversation within families.
Young Artist Competition
WAMSO's longest running educational program, the Young Artist Competition discovers and encourages exceptional young musical talent through a regional competition. Scholarships and monetary awards, as well as an opportunity to perform with the Minnesota Orchestra, are awarded to competition winners.
Accent — Music Appreciation for Adults
WAMSO's enticing education program features fascinating musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra. Attendees can learn about the specific pieces musicians will play in upcoming concerts and hear about their instruments in a convivial atmosphere. Wine, soft drinks, appetizers and conversation are served at these lively cocktail-hour chats.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Fundraising: Volunteers serve on special event committees and assist the day of the event. WAMSO raises funds for the Minnesota Orchestra with Settings of Note and raises funds for its music education programs with Vintages of Note.
Fanfare Evening Ushers: Volunteer ushers provide excellent, volunteer-driven customer service to patrons attending evening concerts at Orchestra Hall.
Coffee Concert Volunteers: Over one hundred volunteers serve as ushers, hosts, and bus captains for the Coffee Concert series on Thursday mornings at Orchestra Hall.
Kinder Konzerts Docents: Docents introduce children to instruments, sounds and rhythms through hands-on experimentation in a Sound Factory. Docents also lead children to the Orchestra Hall stage for a concert with an ensemble of Minnesota Orchestra musicians.
For more information about these volunteer opportunities, please visit the WAMSO website or email wamso@mnorch.org.
JOIN US!
To join WAMSO, visit the WAMSO website, email wamso@mnorch.org, or call the WAMSO office at 612-371-5654 for more information.
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YPSCA — Music Education
for Young People
On November 24, 1911, the eight-year-old Minneapolis Symphony
Orchestra (now Minnesota Orchestra) performed its first Young
People's Concert. That same year the Young People's Symphony
Concert Association (YPSCA) was formed to assist, augment
and promote these Young People's Concerts. Students now have
the unique opportunity to hear the Minnesota Orchestra in
one of the longest running series of Young People's Concerts
in the United States. Following is a guide to YPSCA's volunteer
projects — and the many ways in which you can join this
volunteer effort.
YPSCA's philosophy
To instill in young people an appreciation of music and to encourage
their continuing interest in the Minnesota Orchestra.
Ushering
YPSCA members and potential members serve as volunteer ushers at all Young People's Concerts. As a volunteer usher, you can help fill the Hall with 2,450 students at these daytime concerts — and then enjoy the Minnesota Orchestra performance yourself.
School Outreach
YPSCA collaborates with the Orchestra's Education Department to select schools with little or no budget for music to help provide these schools with tickets and bus service to Young People's Concerts. Using Orchestra-produced curriculum materials, YPSCA, Thursday Musical volunteers and performers visit these schools to help prepare students for their Young People's Concert experiences.
School Music Auditions
Since 1955, YPSCA has held annual judged competitions for Upper Midwest piano and orchestral instrument students through high school. Winners receive cash prizes and scholarships. The first prize includes the opportunity to perform with the Minnesota Orchestra at a future Young People's Concert.
Become a Musical Mentor
For $150 you can send a classroom of young listeners to Orchestra Hall for the concert experience of a lifetime. Before their trip, the students will be visited by YPSCA and Thursday Musical volunteers and performers to help prepare them for their adventure. We’ll send you notes from "your" class sharing reactions to the concert they hear. To become a Musical Mentor, please contact Cynthia Tambornino at (952) 942-5634.
Join us!
To participate in any of these projects, please become a member of YPSCA. The only membership requirements are a love of music and a desire to help young people learn to enjoy great music. How much time you spend on YPSCA projects is your choice. Annual dues are $40 and contributions are always welcome. For more information, please contact Jim Bartsch, Director of Education for the Minnesota Orchestra, at (612) 371-5650.
